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V 






WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 
I. 

In 1 Vol. bound in cloth, 600 Pages, price 5s. 6d. 

FOURTH EDITION. 

THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY PORTION, Containing Three 
Hundred and Sixty-five Exercises on the Person, Work, and Glory of 
the Redeemer. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

From the Rev. Dr. Harris, Author of " Mammon," &c. 
" I have no hesitation in saying, that it fully makes good the promise of its 
title, and is indeed, a ' Golden Pot of Manna,' so rich in the unction of evan- 
gelical sentiment, that it has often constrained me to say : — 
' All that the ark did once contain 
Could no such grace afford.' 
I have no doubt that numbers will find it 'angels' food.'" 

From the Rev. A. Farrar, Wesleyan Minister. 
" The Work contains a great deal of compressed thinking, conveyed in a form 
well adapted to its object. It is brief, plain, and decidedly spiritual." 
From the Rev. Dr. Beaumont, Wesleyan Minister. 
" It is a production fragrant with that name, which is as ointment poured 
forth, and is, and shall be, above every name. As far as I have handled the 
several flakes, they seem to me to possess the right odour, and being somewhat 
minute and compact, they are all the more portable and eligible for use and 
general service. I trust that the personal and social piety of many may be 
nourished thereby." 

" The Daily Portions are small, sweet, wholesome, and nutritious. They 
have much of the evangelical richness and raciness of Bogatsky's compositions ; 
but the ingredients are more varied, are prepared with greater skill, and arranged 
in better order." — Congregational Magazine. 
" Intrinsically excellent." — Revivalist. 

II 

In 1 Vol. ISmo cloth, 172 pages, price Is. 6d. 
THE YOUTHFUL CHRISTIAN, containing Instructions, Counsel, 
Cautions, and Examples. A suitahle present for young persons. It has 
been recently reprinted in America. 

III. 
In 4 Vols. Post 8vo., cloth, price 22s. or 5s. 6d. per volume. 
THE PULPIT CYCLOPEDIA, and Christian Minister's Com- 
panion. Containing Three Hundred and Sixty Sketches of Original 
Sermons, and Eighty Two Essays on Biblical Learning, Theological 
Studies, the Composition and Delivery of Sermons, Pastoral Duties, 
Revivals, &c, &c, &c. 
This work may be considered a Library in itself. 

It has already been reprinted in America, and is thus spoken of by American 
aud British Reviewers. 

" The Pulpit Sketches are most of them fresh and life-like. Many of them are 
characterised by the true, vivid, and comprehensive condensation, of Hall and 
Melvill. They embody in great purity, the very marrow of sound Christian doc- 
trine, and the tone and unction of an evangelical spirit. They may be consulted 
with great profit by Ministers of every Christian denomination. We recommend 
them also, especially to heads of families."— (American) Watchman of the Valley. 
. " We know of no book, the Bible of course excepted, which would be more 
useful to Preachers than this." — Morning Star. 



"The Sketches embrace almost every possible variety of subjects and topics 
coming within the range of the pulpit. Every arrangement is made to furnish 
the largest possible amount of material in the least possible space. We recom- 
mend it to general attention." — [American) Zion's Herald. 

" Ministers and Local Preachers will consult their interests by procuring this 
work." — Christian Examiner. 

After referring to the Essays, Dr. Campbell, the Editor of the " Christian 
Witness," says, "The next and the much more ample department of the worth, 
is the original Sketches and Skeletons, amounting to upwards of three hundred, 
generally upon texts of the greatest interest and importance. The great majority 
of these texts, are happily executed and many of them remarkably so. We need 
not say more to recommend the work to those who stand in need of such aids. 
The book may greatly help, while it can scarcely hinder. To that most useful 
class — lay preachers — it is a treasure." — Christian Witness, Oct. 1844. 

IV. 

In post 8vo. pp. 356, bound in cloth, 5s. 6d. 

SERMONS, Designed for Family Reading and Village Worship. 

"Brief, clear, pointed and evangelical." — Wesleyan Methodist Magazine. 

" The divisions appear to us logical and natural, the illustrations are happy, 
the doctrines sound, the appeals forcible, and the whole are pervaded with a fine 
spirit of devotion." — Revivalist. 

" The sermons contain clear and impressive statements on evangelical important 
subjects." — Watchman. 

" That kind of composition, and those trains of evangelical thought, well suited 
to domestic exercises."— General Baptist Repository. 

V. 

SIXTH EDITION. 

In 4 Vols. \2mo., bound in cloth, price 18s., or any Volume separately, 
price 4s. 6d. 
SKETCHES AND SKELETONS OF FOUR HUNDRED 
SERMONS. 

VI. 
In 1 Vol. l2mo., cloth, price 4s. 6d., a New Edition. 
SKETCHES OF SERMONS, ON TYPES AND META- 
PHORS. 

VII. 

In 1 Vol. \2mo„ cloth, price 4s. 6d. 

SKETCHES OF SERMONS ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 

"They will be found to supply important help to those excellent men who 

devote a portion 'of itheir Sabbaths to village preaching, and many a stated 

minister may study the book with advantage. The author is a man of the right 

stamp, watching for souls as one that must give an account."— Revivalist. 

VIII. 

In 1 Vol. 18mo., a New Enlarged Edition, cloth,price 2s. 6d. 
SKETCHES OF SERMONS ADAPTED .FOR SUNDAY 
SCHOOLS AND VILLAGE PREACHERS. 

" It is enough to say, that this volume is by Mr. Burns, the Simeon of our 
day. It is for its avowed object, all that it ought to be, and is greatly adapted 
to usefulness."— Christian Witness, April, 1845. 

Published by Houlston and Stoneman, Paternoster Row. 



v/^VWw 



CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY 



MATERIALS FOR THOUGHT. 



75 v 



AUTHOR OF " SKETCHES ASD SKELETONS OF SBEMOHS, 

THE "CHRISTIAN'S DAILY PORTION," " PULPIT CYCLOPEDIA," 
"SERMONS FOR FAMILIES AND VILLAGES," "YOUTHFUL CHRISTIAN," 
ETC. ETC. ETC. 



Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to 
find talk or discourse, but to weigh and consider." — Lord Bacon. 



LONDON: 
HOULSTON AND STONEMAN, 



65, PATERNOSTER ROW. 

1845. 



JBKido 



00^ 



PA9TLE STREET, FFNSBURY. 






^.60-y 



PREFACE. 



It has been the Author's aim, in the present 
work, to present a variety of articles on interesting 
and important subjects, expressed in a condensed 
sententious style, so as to furnish useful and instruc- 
tive materials for thought, on intellectual, moral, 
and spiritual themes. 

In carrying out this object, he has chosen such 
topics as were rather practical than speculative ; for 
utility, and not display, has been the principle, 
under which he has endeavoured to act, in preparing 
them for the press. 

Having a strong attachment to works of a pro- 
verbial kind, and thinking many others might have a 
similar predilection, he concluded that such a book 
would tend both to interest and instruct a numerous 
class of readers. 

Doubtless many persons may differ with him on 
some of the sentiments expressed, and may probably 
dispute the conclusions to which the writer often 
arrives. He can only say that he has laboured to 



Vl PREFACE. 

speak out the honest convictions of his mind. But 
in doing so, would fain hope, that he has ever dis- 
played a spirit of moderation and candour, towards 
those who may entertain opinions different to his 
own. 

It has been his sincere aim to exhibit truth, and 
truth only, and he has laboured to do this in as brief 
and forcible a manner as possible. 

He has been anxious that his book should be 
rather a book of ideas, than one of wordy arguments 
and illustrations; and he sincerely desires that it may 
be the humble instrument, under the divine blessing, 
of extending a knowledge of many important truths 
which are too liable to be forgotten. 

He has endeavoured to arrange the subjects in 
such order, that the reader will be led to perceive, 
the obvious connexion which many of them have 
with each other, so as to form a compendium of 
practical Christian Philosophy, for the consideration 
of inquiring and reflective minds. 

London, 1845. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Truth 9 

Knowledge 12 

Wisdom... 15 

The Bible 18 

Jehovah 21 

Providence 23 

Law 26 

Obedience 29 

The Law of Equity 31 

The Spirit 34 

The Tongue 37 

On Thought 40 

On War and Peace 43 

On Love 45 

On Freedom 49 

On Superstition 51 

On Light 53 

Sectarianism 55 

Liberality.., 58 

Talents 62 



Page, 

On Usefulness 64 

Man — as he was 66 

Man — as he is 68 

Man — as he may become 70 

On Depravity 72 

The Saviour 75 

On Repentance 79 

A Christian 81 

Paradoxes of the Christian 

Life 83 

On Moral Symmetry 84 

On Prayer 87 

The Closet 90 

The Sabbath 92 

The Sanctuary 95 

On Praise 98 

Preachers and Preaching 101 

Hearers and Hearing 104 

The Cross of Christ 107 

On Faith 110 



Vlll 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Missions and Missionaries 114 

On Hope 118 

On Religious Zeal 121 

On Contentment 124 

On Humility 127 

On Patience ]30 

The Peacemaker 134 

The Divine Promises 136 

The Intercessor 139 

On Forgiving Injuries 142 

Friendship 144 

On Marriage 148 

Parents 152 

To Children 156 

On Teaching 161 

On Imitation 165 

On Music 168 

Books 173 

Reading 176 

Moral Courage 179 

On Punctuality 182 

A Chapter on Anomalies 185 



: Page. 

On Conscience.... 188 

On Mysteries and Facts 191 

On Prejudice 195 

On Religious Persecution...... 199 

On Custom 203 

On Judging of Character 206 

On Anger 209 

On the Punishment of Death. 211 

On Intemperance 216 

On Money 219 

The Rich and the Poor 222 

On Youth 226 

Old Age 230 

Earthly Mutabilities 233 

Health 236 

Bereavements 239 

Time 242 

Death 244 

The Judgment 246 

Heaven 249 

Eternity 251 



CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY. 



TRUTH. 



Truth is to fact what the impress is to the seal, the 
exact transcript. 

Truth is of universal application ; it is the uniting 
principle which holds together the moral elements of 
the universe. 

Truth is one of the bright characteristics of Deity, and 
one of the main pillars by which his throne is supported. 
His works are all exhibitions of truth \ his providence 
its continuous exercise ; and his word the revelation of it 
to mankind. 

The gospel is both a system of grace and truth ; in- 
flexibly true in its exactions on the surety, and gracious 
in the bestowment of its blessings to the redeemed. 

Acceptance of the truth bursts the bond-man's fetters, 
and liberates the moral captive ; and a retention of the 
truth is the condition of the charter on which all our 
spiritual blessings are suspended. 



10 TRUTH. 

The penitent is prostrate in the porch of the temple of 
truth ; the believer walks in the light that encircles the 
holy place ; and the beatified only can bear the full blaze 
of the holiest of all. 

Truth hearkens with candour, reflects with delibera- 
tion, and utters with precision. In matters of conceived 
trifling import, truth is as the private path which leads 
to the king's royal highway. 

Truth, however minute the particles, is too precious to 
be lost ; and he only will be truly enriched with it who 
imitates the goldsmith, who causeth even the smallest 
grains of the precious metal to be carefully preserved. 

Truth often prefers the cottage to the mansion, and is 
frequently seen in company with plain attire. The poor 
sometimes make her welcome to their mud-formed cabin, 
while she is excluded from the palaces of kings. 

Truth can live in all regions, flourish in all soils, and 
become naturalized in all climes. 

It was the spirit of truth which animated the first 
martyr Abel, which shone in the pathway of the holy 
Enoch, and which adorned the Hebrew captive in the 
land of Egypt. It spake through Moses and Aaron to 
Pharaoh, triumphed in the illustrious events of the Red 
sea, and was the chorus to the song of Miriam. 

Adherence to truth, the seven times heated furnace 
could not consume, nor the hungry lions destroy. 

John the Baptist heralded its prince, and called upon 
men to give it a reverential reception. Thus uttered by 
a man of plain exterior, and stern manner, and rigid self- 
denial, yet it softened hundreds of Jewish hearts, and the 
waters of the Jordan testified to its virtue and influence. 



TRUTH. 11 

Blessed are they whom the truth causeth to mourn, for 
they shall verily be comforted, and all her disciples are 
happy indeed. 

In Jesus Christ truth was embodied ; it flowed like 
silvery streams from his hallowed lips, and no man ever 
spake like that man. Truth shone with lustre in the 
actions of his life, and that life was sacrificed to establish 
its empire in our world. It was his bosom companion 
mid the agonies of Gethsemane ; he bore witness to it in 
the presence of Pilate ; and it was transfixed with him on 
the cross of Calvary. 

The mantle of truth, with the spirit of love, he left 
to his apostles and disciples, and by the maintenance of 
both, they trod in the footsteps of their Lord and 
Master. 

Paul preached it in Corinth and in Imperial Rome, 
and reasoned out its axioms to the men of Athens, on 
Mars' Hill. 

The precious seeds of truth were sown in almost every 
known land, bedewed with the tears of the good, iden- 
tified with the sufferings of saints, and baptized in the 
blood of the successive martyrs of Christ. In chariots 
of literal flame many of the wisest and most holy of its 
disciples were conveyed to the heavenly state. 

Reader, reverence this queen of virtues ; honour her in 
all thy transactions \ choose her for thy bosom com- 
panion, thy closet counsellor, and thy family guest. 
Let her be thy referee in secular concerns, and ever be 
found a meek but faithful worshipper at her shrine. 
Thus only canst thou be a faithful witness of her excel- 
lency before God and man. 

b 2 



12 



KNOWLEDGE. 



Buy it at any price ; its cost cannot excel its worth, or 
surpass its intrinsic value. Whoever possesses truth, 
holds an inestimable treasure, whose currency is admitted 
in both worlds. For it is the moral conservator of earth, 
and one of the prominent colours of the rainbow, which 
encircles the throne of Jehovah in heaven. 



KNOWLEDGE. 

Knowledge differeth essentially from learning, for 
there may be learned lumber, and unlettered stores of 
knowledge. 

Knowledge is usually without parade, for its richest 
disciple is humbled by the conviction of the much land 
which yet remains to be possessed. 

Knowledge is not often wedded with dogmatism, for 
the limited time of dying man's study is scarcely suffi- 
cient to know even the germ of things. 

Knowledge is only really valuable as it can be usefully 
applied, and in this consisteth the essence of sound 
wisdom. 

Reading supplieth intellectual stores ; study arrangeth 
and defineth their worth, and by practical experiments a 
sphere is formed for their serviceable influence. 

Knowledge resembleth the light, it illuminates, cheers, 
and fertilizes ; it is the principle of mental day, and in- 
dispensable to a healthy moral activity. 



KNOWLEDGE. 13 

To know all things even imperfectly is impossible to 
any one ; to know a few things fully is within the reach 
of all. 

A knowledge of letters is good, of things is better, of 
principles better still, of ourselves yet more desirable, of 
God most of all essential ; for " this is life eternal to 
know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom 
thou hast sent." 

Divine knowledge necessarily excels human, as God is 
infinitely holier and more benevolent than man. This 
tendeth to present and everlasting life. It is the excel- 
lency of knowledge, compared with which all other is 
tin and dross. 

Its text-book is the scriptures, — its teacher the Logos, 
the eternal Word, — its especial themes, the divine opera- 
tions, the divine government, the divine redemption, and 
the divine glory which shall hereafter be more fully made 
known. 

The school of this knowledge is the church, the labo- 
ratory the heart, the experiments the events of the Chris- 
tian life, its present influence sanctified conformity to 
God ; its consummation the refulgent noonday splendour 
of eternity. What thou knowest not now, thou shalt 
know hereafter ; yea, then shalt thou know even as thou 
art known. 

Knowledge varies in its appellations, as do the various 
shores which are washed by the waves of the sea. It is 
natural or moral, it is secular or religious, as the subject 
may be, on which it treats. 

Then as to the manner or degree; it is simple or 
philosophical, popular or profound. Its range is all 



14 



KNOWLEDGE. 



comprehensible subjects, whether in heaven above, upon 
the earth below, or in the waters which are under the 
earth. 

Man even in his inglorious and fallen state is eminently- 
fitted for its attainment. There is the eye to perceive, 
and the soul's understanding which answereth thereunto. 
There is the ear to attend, and the judgment to ponder ; 
there are the senses to supply material, and the memory 
to store up its treasures. 

By deep causation man reasons on first principles, and 
chief laws, and by analogy, compares and contrasts. 

By numerical means he increaseth facts, and by an ar- 
ranging process placeth them all in due order. 

From the lower steps of the intellectual ladder, he 
gradually ascends to the highest regions of elevated 
thought and reflection. 

The alphabet may be the child's first study, the heaven 
of heavens the theme of his manly contemplations. As 
a child, he may whip his top in the street, or roll his 
hoop on the path ; as a man, he measureth the heavens, 
and reckoneth with mathematical precision the revo- 
lutions of the planetary worlds. From the hyssop he 
goeth on to the cedar, from the wonders of nature to 
those of providence, and from both by a spiritual flight 
to the higher regions of grace. With elasticity of mind 
in connexion with physical vigour and the cultivation of 
the moral sense, none but God can tell where man's 
soarings will end, or his discoveries terminate. 

Reader ! drink deep at this fountain ; its waters refresh, 
and tend upward even to eternal life. 



15 



WISDOM. 

Wisdom is that which applieth knowledge to its best 
use, and fitteth means for the best end. 

By wisdom, God made all things in their right order, 
and fixed them in their most appropriate places. 

Wisdom judgeth justly, reasoneth correctly, and con- 
cludes discreetly. 

Wisdom giyes to each subject its due measure of regard, 
and dignifies the highest themes with the greatest con- 
sideration. 

Wisdom cannot be absorbed with trifles, nor delight in 
the bubbles that float upon the passing stream. It en- 
quireth for good, and with yigour and perseverance seeks 
its attainment. 

Wisdom asks for the chief good, and to this its most 
elevated thoughts, and warmest emotions are devoted. 

It looketh for the future, and dreaineth not of building 
on the uncertain present. Its chief hopes are wedded to 
immortality, and its most intense desires have to do with 
eternal things. 

Wisdom inquireth what is the end of my existence, 
and how will the blank sheet of my probation be best 
filled ? What is best to be pursued, and how shall I 
most certainly attain it? What shall I despise, what 
esteem, what admire, and in what delight ? 

Wisdom concludes that God is the chief good ; the 
soul the chief part of man ; and religion the chief end 
of the soul. 



16 WISDOM. 

Wisdom pronounces the narrow path though steep and 
difficult of ascent, to be both the best and safest. 

Wisdom builds her house upon the rock, and therefore 
fears not the winds or the floods. She dwells in the pa- 
vilion of the Most High, and therefore none can invade 
or destroy. She associates with angelic hosts, and there- 
fore, however formidable her adversaries, she beholdeth 
the whole mountain to be filled with horses and chariots 
of fire. 

Wisdom has its decided preferences, and its fixed 
antipathies. It avoideth precipitancy in matters of mo- 
ment, and is ever ready to obey the advice of the town 
clerk of Ephesus, to do nothing rashly. It trusteth not 
to its own understanding, nor dependeth on its own 
sagacity, but believeth that in a multitude of counsellors 
there is safety. It does not hastily give credence to 
rumours, nor hearkeneth to the tale-bearer, nor en- 
courageth the whisperer. It cherisheth openness of 
demeanour, and candour of spirit, and integrity of 
speech. It decideth not without ample evidence, and it 
judgeth not without a cause, 

It is the young man's wisest counsellor, the mature 
man's safest companion, and the sage's daily visitor, 

It sheddeth lustre on every station,, and sanctifies 
every condition* It is the brightness of the child's eye, 
the nobleness of the youth's countenance, and the dignity 
of the man of years. 

It giveth capacity to the scholar, and ability to the 
teacher. It openeth the way of rational subjection, and 
shows princes how to govern. 

It makes the hearer of the word attentive to know 



WISDOM. 17 

the sense and design of what is spoken, and he preacheth 
in vain, whose lips are not under its direction. The good 
hearer is made wise unto salvation, and the useful minis- 
ter who winneth souls is wise. 

Wisdom is a qualification which may be needed in all 
spheres, and on all occasions. 

It is the wheel by which the domestic vessel is steered ; 
it is the helm which regulateth the affairs of a nation. 
Idiots only are incapable of it, fools only despise it, and 
all truly reasonable beings prize it. 

The sweetest flowers will decay, and the gayest wither, 
but wisdom ever remaineth fragrant, beautiful, and 
abiding. 

The beauty of the countenance may be blasted by one 
hour's disease, the physical energy reduced by one stroke, 
but wisdom in its influence and results, defies the tooth 
of time, or the winter of years, or even the arrows of 
death. 

The wise live in the region of light, and in the atmos- 
phere of health, and dissolution is only a transition to a 
better and wiser state. For the wise shall inherit glory. 
Reader ! art thou wise — of enlightened understanding — 
of sound judgment — and spiritual discernment? Are 
the wise thy companions ? after wisdom dost thou 
earnestly cry ? If so, she shall place upon thy brow the 
diadem of blessedness and honour. 



s 5 



18 



THE BIBLE. 

" Most wondrous book ! bright candle of the Lord f 

Star of eternity ! the only star 

By which the bark of man could navigate 

The sea of life, and gain the coast of bliss 

Securely ; only star which rose on Time 

And on its dark and troubled billows threw a ray 

Of Heaven's own light, and to the hills of God 

Pointed the sinner's eye." Pollok's Course of Time. 

The Bible is the Book by way of emphasis and pre- 
eminence. The Book of Books for its superlative 
importance, intrinsic excellency, and Divine glory. 

God its Author. Prophets and evangelists and apos- 
tles its penmen. Truth its matter, and salvation its end. 

How sublime its style. How transcendently glorious 
its themes. How varied its subjects; yet, how per- 
spicuous and simple its revelations. 

Fraught with truths for all ages, and classes, and 
conditions of mankind. With elementary principles of 
religion for the child. With salutary counsels for the 
young. With wise instructions for the mature; and 
with sound philosophy for the aged. 

With homely communications for the illiterate. With 
profound truths for the learned, and heavenly knowledge 
for all. 

Its discoveries, how wonderful, — its doctrines, how 
heavenly, — its warnings, how awful, — its threatenings, 
how terrible, — its promises, how precious, — its consola- 
tions, how abundant. 



THE BIBLE. 19 

It is the Christian's personal monitor ; his closet 
counsellor, and family adviser. 

It is the nation's directory, and the world's light, and 
truth, and glory. 

Here are stores of knowledge for the naturalist, the 
philologist, the historian, the moralist, the poet, and the 
divine. 

The Bible is the Book of seeds, on subjects moral, in- 
tellectual, and spiritual. 

It is the Field containing the hidden treasures of wis- 
dom ; the Casket in which are deposited the invaluable 
jewels of grace, and the peerless pearl of untold price. 

It is the Spiritual Bank of Faith ; the Granary of the 
Bread of Life, and the Well of Salvation. 

It is the Christian's citadel of strength and security, 
and the holy warrior's sacred armoury. 

It is the Eden of moral loveliness, and the paradise of 
celestial delights. 

Divine Providence hath marvellously preserved it ; 
the wise and godly of all ages have delighted in it, and 
the evil powers of earth and hell have laboured in vain 
to destroy it. 

It is the only infallible test of real orthodoxy, the only 
unerring touchstone of truth, the only immaculate code 
of laws, the only faultless system of morals, and the 
only immutable ground of hope. 

Some have attempted to falsify its statements, — others 
to mystify its doctrines, — others to monopolize its bless- 
ings, — and not a few to adulterate its truths. 

All really godly persons read it with reverence and 



20 THE BIBLE. 

attention, meditate on it with spiritual delight, and appro- 
priate its consolations with unutterable joy. 

They believe its averments, — hearken to its counsels, — 
imbibe its spirit, and delight in its commandments. 

To translate it into all languages and tongues, and to 
diffuse it to every tribe abroad, and circulate it to every 
family at home, is a work of soundest philosophy, 
noblest patriotism, and purest benevolence. 

Abuse it not, by coercing it to speak the dogmas of 
thy creed, or to support thy sectarian views, or to establish 
thy peculiar rites ; but elevate it, by making it the one 
test of sound Christian principle, spiritual worship, and 
daily practice. 

Hide its treasures in thine heart, enjoy its consola- 
tions in thy experience, and embody its holy precepts in 
thy life, and forget not to teach it diligently to thy chil- 
dren, and talk of its hallowed contents "when thou 
sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, 
and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 1 ' 



21 



JEHOVAH. 

Jehovah, self-existent, underived, and incommuni- 
cable. 

Before all, above all, in all, and through all. The 
source of all, the ruler of all, the end of all. 

Sun of all light, fountain of all enjoyment, object of 
all bliss. 

Creator of all things, governor of all worlds, and 
judge of all beings. Forming by his power, arranging 
by his wisdom, blessing by his goodness. 

The intellectual eye discerning all creatures, the spirit 
of ubiquity pervading all places, omnific energy up- 
holding; all things. 

The majestic brightness of heaven's glory, unmixed 
benignity crowning the earth with goodness, inflexi- 
ble justice enkindling the flames of hell. 

The thunder his voice, the clouds his chariot, the 
universe his dwelling. 

Angels his attendants, seraphim and cherubim and 
beatified spirits his train, and dazzling light his throne. 

Heaven his court, earth his footstool, and hell his 
prison. 

Faithful his engagements, truth his word, immuta- 
ble his counsels. All-searching in spirit, all-knowing 
in intelligence, almighty in power, and unchangeable in 
essence. 

Our lawgiver to legislate, our ruler to govern, our 
judge to adjudicate. 



22 



JEHOVAH. 



Our Father to bless with his beneficence, and our 
Redeemer to save by his mercy. 

The terror of the wicked, the nothing of the infidel, 
the portion of the Christian, and the joy of the beatified. 

The temple's glory, the church's safety, the believer's 
salvation. 

Melting with compassion to the penitent, with love to 
his children, and with pity to all. 

The best friend, the most terrible foe, the highest 
glory to the saved, and the source of direst wrath to 
the accursed. 

The Being, nature's voice proclaimeth, and nature's 
works revealeth. 

Vainly sought for, by pagan philosophers, ambigu- 
ously referred to, in heathen oracles, but majestically 
declared, in the Holy Scriptures. 

A God above me, I adore ; a God around me, I vene- 
rate and fear ; a God for me, my hope and trust ; a God 
within me, my joy unspeakable and full of glory. 

Near, yet impalpable ; felt, yet unseen ; known, yet 
un discerned. 

I will venerate his name, contemplate his works, con- 
sider his perfections, celebrate his praises. 

As father, I will draw nigh to him ; as lawgiver, I 
will hearken to his voice ; as judge, I will stand in awe 
of his decisions. 

God enthroned, all idols perish; God obeyed, all other 
lords disowned. 

In him I live, to him I will be devoted, as for him I 
was created and redeemed. 

Jehovah, splendour of all beauty, sweetness of all 



PROVIDENCE. 



23 



enjoyment, fragrance of all perfume, substance of all 
desires, end of all being, and summum bonum of all in- 
telligences. 

Be thy name honoured by all nations, savingly known 
by all tribes, and worshipped by all beings. 

Thy royal mandate, be every where proclaimed ; thy 
right, every where confessed ; and thy will, every where 
done on earth, even as it is in heaven. 

Reader ! canst thou say with the holy psalmist, " this 
God is my God for ever and ever, and my guide even 
imto death V 



PROVIDENCE. 

Providence is the superintending care which God 
exercises over all his creatures. 

We may contemplate it either in its vast comprehen- 
siveness, or in its more minute details. 

We may view it in its relation to all creatures and 
events, or judge of it in its more direct relation to men. 

Providence is another term for the government of 
God, by which all events are made to concur with his 
wise and holy purposes and designs. Thus it includes 
both the visible and invisible worlds — both angels and 
devils — men and all the irrational creatures. 

Divine providence recognizes the fixed laws, by which 
all things are subservient to the divine will, and redound 
to the divine glory. These fixed laws being based on the 



24 



PROVIDENCE. 



infallible judgment of God, disorder or confusion cannot 
possibly ensue. 

At the head of all the links of the mysterious chain is 
the ever blessed Deity, by whom, and for whom, and to 
whom, are all things. 

In providence, as Ezekiel showeth, the celestial hosts 
are prominent and active instruments, ever hearkening to 
the divine voice, and flying with ardent delight to do his 
bidding. 

All men in their respective spheres are the agents of 
the divine will, and the executors of his purposes ; even 
wicked men and fallen spirits are made to accomplish 
his pleasure and to do his will. 

The envy of the brethren of Joseph, and the wrath of 
Pharaoh, and the unbelief and cruelty of the Jews to the 
Messiah, all instrumentally effected what God had pre- 
ordained to be accomplished. 

Divine providence restraineth the violence of the un- 
godly, and maketh the wrath of men to praise God. 

Divine providence employeth the holy and excellent of 
the earth, to be the direct ministers of his benevolent de- 
signs and pleasure. 

It fixeth the boundaries of our habitations, it ordereth 
our earthly lot, regulateth the events of our lives, en- 
vironeth our dwellings and persons from perils, num- 
bereth our hairs, guardeth our steps, and supplieth all 
our wants. 

It has to do with our health and sickness, with our 
joys and sorrows, with our life and death. 

Divine providence never slumbereth, and never with- 
draweth its influences. 



PROVIDENCE. 25 

It rises with us in the morning, and lieth down with us 
at night. It is our companion in going out, and in 
coming in. 

It intermingleth with all our concerns, physical, 
mental, moral, and spiritual — relative and social — for 
time and for eternity. 

Yet providence coerceth not, it interferes not with man's 
free agency, nor mars his entire accountability. 

To the righteous no subject can be so interesting, ex- 
cept that of the redemption of our world by Christ 
Jesus. 

Who can be really against the Christian, if God be for 
him ? what can harm him who is a follower of that which 
is good ? what can surprise him on whom the eyes of 
omniscient love are fixed ? or injure when the arms of 
Almightiness surround him ? or beggar him that the in- 
finite treasures of heaven supplieth ? or destroy him to 
whom God is both a shield and reward ? 

In the oracles of truth, providence is revealed ; and in 
the experience of the Christian, providence is enjoyed. 

To admire providence is the privilege of angels ; to 
trust in it, the high vocation of saints. 

A providence of knowledge, should be the light of our 
minds ; a providence of power, the stay of our souls ; 
a providence of goodness, the delight of our hearts. 

Let reason adore — let faith trust — let hope rejoice — let 
praise be offered — and prayer presented — and the 
homage of cheerful obedience be constantlv given. 

Especially, let the providence which clothes the fields 
with verdure, that restrains the foaming waves of the 
sea, that beautifies the lily, that provideth for the young 



26 LAW. 

lions, that feedeth the birds of the air, that observeth the 
falling of the sparrow, have our daily, our unswerving 
confidence, and our incessant ascriptions of thanksgiving 
and delight. 



LAW. 



Law in its primary signification may be properly 
applied to the fixed principles under which God has 
placed the works of his hand. 

God is the great lawgiver of the universe, and from 
him all wise and good laws emanate. 

Divine laws are the regulations of unerring wisdom, 
and must be right; of inflexible justice, and must be 
equitable ; of boundless benevolence, and must be good. 

Laws must not only honour the lawgiver, but be suited 
to the agents for whom they are made. 

For mere matter, the physical laws are sufficient, and 
every grain of sand, and drop of water, and atom of air, 
are under direct and controllable laws. 

The laws of instinct rule the brute creation ; and from 
the rhinoceros to the gnat, these laws prevail, and 
answer the ends designed by the Creator of every living 
thing. 

The law of reason has relation to man ; and by this 
the higher qualities of his nature are both elicited and 
governed. 



LAW. 27 

Moral laws regard man as responsible and accountable 
to God, and oblige him to conform to that holy image 
in which he was created. 

The revealed laws of the scriptures are those of Sinai 
and Zion, of Moses and Christ, of the legal and evan- 
gelical dispensations. 

The law of Sinai expresses God's righteous claims on 
man, and from holy beings would have met with a hearty 
and full response ; but when given to sinners, was de- 
signed as a schoolmaster to lead men to Christ. 

Christ did not come to abrogate, but to fulfil the law ; 
and on the tablet of his spotless heart its enactments were 
written. 

He did come to redeem men from its curse, by being 
made a curse for them. 

The law of the gospel is the law of faith in God's Son, 
which whoso obeyeth, is justified from all things, from 
which he could not be justified by the law of Moses. 

Whatever God commandeth is law, and he requireth 
not only faith in his Son, but supreme love to himself, 
and unfeigned charity to mankind. 

The Christian then is under law to Christ ; and to free- 
men of the cross, it is a perfect law of liberty. 

Gospel enactments include the positive institutions of 
religion, as well as the moral precepts of the Saviour. 

The divine law is only obeyed on earth by the regene- 
rate, by them only imperfectly, and that, by the strength 
of the grace which is given to them. 

Divine law in heaven is met by the perfect services of 
loyal affections, and an ability commensurate with the 
claims of the holy lawgiver. 



28 LAW. 

The laws of God are hated by the wicked, blasphemed 
by the sceptic, and are the horror of the superstitious. 

An acknowledgment of their equity is the first step to 
religion ; sorrow for their violation, the second ; and a 
sincere desire to obey them, the third ; and " blessed are 
they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they 
shall be filled." 

A sincere respect to one department of the divine law, 
will ever be accompanied by a profound veneration for 
the whole. 

The laws of sovereigns and legislators on earth, which 
are not in accordance with the laws of God, while they 
are not binding for conscience, yet may be obeyed for 
peace sake. 

The law of righteousness, and holiness, and love, shall 
bind all the families of men together, when the latter-day 
glory dawns, and the reign of Jesus is universally esta- 
blished on the earth. 

Reader ! is the divine law written on thy heart ? and 
dost thou run in the way of God's commandments ? To 
obey is better than sacrifice, and cheerful obedience is the 
only infallible evidence of loyalty to Christ. 



29 



OBEDIENCE. 

Obedience is either constrained or free, cheerful or 
reluctant, partial or entire. 

Obedience either springs from fear, or gratitude, or 
love. 

Christian obedience is influenced by them all. A filial 
fear of the Divine Majesty, gratitude for God's bounties 
and grace, and love to Him who so wondrously first 
loved us. 

The source of obedience, is the grace within us ; the 
rule of obedience, the will of our heavenly Father ; and 
the impetus to obedience, a sincere desire to please God. 

Persevering obedience forms the habit of the soul ; 
and to the habitually obedient, law is pleasant, and sub- 
jection thereunto a delight. 

Obedience may be marred by tardiness of action, 
slothfulness of spirit, or inequality of motive. 

Obedience begets a servile spirit of legality, where 
God is contemplated only as a lawgiver and judge, and 
his paternal and gracious character forgotten. 

The power to obey ever accompanies the desire, as the 
withered hand was easily stretched out, when the man's 
heart concurred with the bidding of the Saviour. 

Imperfect obedience is the sorrow of the upright, and 
the body of death from which he earnestly seeks deliver- 
ance. 

Partial obedience must not be the basis of hope, eithe. 
alone or conjointly with the obedience of Christ ; " but 



30 OBEDIENCE. 

if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father," 
" and the blood of God's Son cleanseth from all sin." 

Reading the divine word, leads us to an acquaintance 
with the will of God; meditation thereon makes that 
acquaintance more intimate ; and obedience reduces it to 
practice, and the practice is followed by the blessedness 
of the man who delighteth in the law of the Lord. 

Civil obedience is subjection to the powers that be, 
to the sovereignty of the realm, and the magistrates ap- 
pointed by authority. 

Laws directly against God and religion, may be viola- 
ted with impunity, for it is better to obey God rather than 
man. But to suffer wrong, is often the Christian's 
obvious course, and resistance to constituted authority 
should be well pondered before it is put into execution. 

Obedience to God, will best produce a disposition to 
obey men in all things that are right. 

Relative obedience is that which is binding on the 
servant to his master, which must be cheerful, upright, 
and constant; or children to parents, which must be 
prompt, affectionate, and hearty ; or of the wife to her 
husband, which must be conscientious, uniform, and 
faithful. 

Ecclesiastical obedience is that which is obligatory on 
the members of the Christian church, to those who have 
the rule and authority over them. Such obedience must 
not be blind, but intellectual; not after the order of 
human canons, but divine precepts ; it pertaineth not to 
things secular, but to things religious and divine. 

Obedience to rightly constituted laws, is the principle 
of cohesion to the materials of the universe ; it is the 






THE LAW OF EQUITY. 31 

stability of nations, the bond of the social circle, the 
beauty of the church, and the harmony of heaven. 

Disobedience would separate the elements of which 
our world is constituted, revolutionize and devastate 
kingdoms, scatter fire-brands and misery in the family 
circle, blight the church of the Messiah, and were it 
admitted, produce a second apostacy and overthrow 
among the spirits of the glorified. 

Christian, it is thy prerogative to know, thy experience 
to love, and thy duty to obey. 

Reader ! dost thou love the law of the Lord ? is it the 
rejoicing of thy heart, and are the words of the divine 
mouth "better to thee than thousands of gold and 
silver?" 



THE LAW OF EQUITY. 

To do unto others as you would they should do unto 
you, is the law of equity, as presented in the inspired 
oracles of eternal truth. 

A law which commendeth itself at once to the con- 
science of every reasonable being. 

A law which is so clear and simple, that none who 
labour to obey it can possibly fail in fulfilling it. 

And yet it is a law which goeth against the grain of 
fallen nature, and which does violence to all the deep- 
rooted selfish passions which lodge within us. 



32 LAW OF EQUITY. 

The proud man seeketh dominion over those around 
him, but would feel grievously wronged to be thus op- 
pressed by others. 

The vain man seeks to live within the sphere of uni- 
versal admiration, but if all had the same, then would 
the praises he receives, be lost in the general regard 
paid to others. 

The avaricious seeketh by over-reaching, and scheming, 
and cunning, to gain advantages from the inexperienced 
around him ; but how his soul feels with keenest suscep- 
tibility, if others wrong him thus. He may spurn too 
from his presence the needy starving suppliant, from the 
influence of the sordid principle within him ; but if con- 
ditions were exchanged, and he were brought to bear the 
gnawing pain of hunger, how cruel would he feel it, to 
be sent from over-laden tables to pine away and die. 

This law is worthy of its great and holy author, whose 
every way is righteousness and truth. 

What harmony and joy would obedience to this law 
produce on earth, and how soon the jubilee of man's 
felicity would dawn upon our world. 

No tyrant then would occupy a throne, or sway a 
sceptre. 

No man would then be found to steal, or buy, or sell, 
or hold another man in slavery. 

No ambitious wretch lusting in his power, would with 
kindred spirits, combine to carry on the horrid trade of 
war. 

No selfish legislators would then be known, who, for 
ends of base cupidity, would form enactments to make 
the staff of life dear to the sons of toil. 



LAW OF EQUITY. 33 

No ecclesiastic would then make laws for conscience, 
or infringe the rights of souls in matters pertaining to 
religion and eternal life. 

No petty despot within the social circle would claim 
undue authority over the object of his choice, because in 
matters muscular and corporeal, she was the weaker 
vessel. 

No pedagogue would be found to trample on the rights 
of children, or exercise the rod to give escape to pas- 
sion's fury. 

No master would his servants overload with labour, or 
pare down their just and righteous recompense to the 
lowest pittance. 

All men would see in others, beings equally the crea- 
tures of Jehovah ; moulded and fashioned by his wise 
and gracious hand, the subjects of his providence and 
care, yea more, alike the purchase of redeeming blood. 

None would despise or underrate the veriest savage, 
who still mid all his degradation, bore traces evident of 
the human face divine. Man would be the friend of 
man in every clime, of every grade and colour through 
the world. 

To teach the ignorant, to help the weak, to raise the 
fallen, to guide the inexperienced, to soothe and sympa- 
thize with sorrow, would be the cheerful willing task of 
every one. 

How changed would be the aspect of our world. 
What sin, and crime, and misery would be blotted out 
from under heaven. How happy man would be, how 
angels would sing with rapture, and how sullenly would 

c 



34 



THE SPIRIT. 



the spirits fallen who tempt to crime, retire to their own 
dark and hellish shades beneath. 

To realize a scene so bright and glorious, is the end 
pertaining to the gospel. 

As sacred truth progresses and gains the ascendancy, 
this law will rise to view, be embodied in the followers of 
the meek and lowly Jesus, and by its holy energy and 
might, put down the works of darkness, until the reign 
of equity shall be acknowledged from east to west, from 
north to south, and from the rising to the setting sun. 



THE SPIRIT. 



Is it not desirable to know what spirit we are of? 
for the heart is easily deceived. To guard against error in 
ourselves is both wise and important. The spirit of man 
will be as is the state of his heart ; good or evil, profane 
or holy, carnal or devout, pertaining to earth or to 
heaven. 

The spirit is the genius of the mind, and the mental 
breath of the soul, and the index of the heart. If the 
spirit be good, then has the soul been renewed, and if the 
spirit be evil then is the heart unchanged. 

A Christian spirit is pre-eminently excellent, and the 
fruit of such a spirit, honours God, and is esteemed and 
beloved of men. 

A meek and quiet spirit is of great price ; but a 



THE SPIRIT. 35 

boisterous spirit is the torment of its possessor, and the 
disturber of others, 

A gentle spirit is as the sweet and refreshing dew, but 
the harsh spirit is as the chilling wind from the east. 

A kind spirit is lovely as the dove, but the spirit of 
hatred odious as the blood-stained vulture. 

A candid spirit is bright and radiant as the sun- 
beams -, an envious spirit dark and lowering as the electric 
cloud. 

A cheerful spirit is as the fruitful garden, but the 
gloomy spirit is as the rugged rock or the sandy desert. 

A proud spirit is as the fool dancing on the verge of 
the precipice ; a humble spirit dwells as in the valley of 
security. 

A boasting spirit indicates emptiness of mind, but a 

modest spirit is of itself a treasure to those who possess it. 

A reflective spirit becometh a probationer of earth ; 

and the inconsiderate and reckless bear the marks of 

folly in their foreheads. 

A resigned spirit befitteth creatures of the dust ; a 
murmuring spirit only addeth to its misery and disap- 
pointment. 

A prayerful spirit leaneth on the arm of Jehovah ; but 
the prayerless rely on their own resources. 

A believing spirit trusteth the divine truth and good- 
ness, and realizeth present enjoyment j but the doubtful 
and unbelieving have recourse to empty cisterns that can 
hold no water. 

A loving spirit is God enshrined in the soul, and 
heaven begun on earth; a spirit of malevolence an 
inward curse, and a corroding plague. 
c 2 



36 



THE SPIRIT. 



A heavenly spirit enjoys celestial immunities ; holdeth 
converse with the skies, and communion with the beati- 
fied ; but an earthly spirit is that of the serpent that 
crawleth in the dust. 

A generous spirit, like a full blown rose, spreadeth its 
fragrance afar ; an avaricious spirit is as the poisonous 
hemlock, or deadly nightshade. 

The liberal spirit is flourishing as the willow by the 
water-side ; the covetous as the prickly briar in the 
desert. 

The spirit of the Christian is of God — from above, 
and of holy likeness to that of Jesus. 

The spirit of the sinner is of self, from beneath, and 
resembleth the image of the evil one. 

Yet among the unregenerate, there are many things 
attractive and lovely ; so among the renewed, there are 
many things not lovely or of good report. 

Therefore reader ! try thy spirit, and seek for the in- 
fluences of holiness, which will beautify, exalt, and 
enrapture. 

See that thy spirit is noble as the children of the 
heavenly king : not petty, puerile, bigoted, or stunted by 
the chilling influences of earth ; but rise in holy likeness 
to thy God — in pure enjoyment of hallowed converse 
with him, so that at last thine enraptured spirit shall 
know and feel the joy and glory of the seraphim around 
his throne, 



37 



THE TONGUE. 

Of the various distinctions which elevate man above 
the irrational creatures, none is more important and 
striking than the gift of speech. 

Doubtless other creatures have signs of recognition, 
and may express sounds indicative of their desires ; but 
it is reserved for man alone to be adorned and blest with 
the faculty of speech. And to mental dignity, and social 
enjoyment, and moral influence, how much is dependent 
on the tongue. It becomes the conveyancer of thought, 
the distributer of ideas, and the telegraph of emotions. 

By this, intellectual communion becomes palpable, and 
kindredness of heart embodied. 

It is alike the servant of joy or sorrow, delight or 
hatred, of blessing or cursing. 

It is often as the helm to the vessel, and requires equal 
skill and self-possession for its wise and proper govern- 
ment. 

In the tongue is the power of life and death ; to rule it 
is the perfection of moral science, and to aim at this 
should be the great concern of all who would fear God, 
or be useful to their fellow men. 

The tongue often offends against reason and wisdom, 
by frivolity and foolishness ; against propriety and self- 
respect, by the uttering of silliness and jesting ; against 
the conscience, by insincerity; against men by falsehood; 
and against God by irreverence and profanity. 



38 THE TONGUE. 

The soft tongue flatters, the obscene tongue poisons, 
the bitter tongue curses, but the pious tongue blesses. 

The tongue should be under the law of prudence, and 
under the influence of goodness. 

The tongue should bless God the Father of mercies, 
address him in the strains of devotion, and be sanctified 
to men by the seasoning of grace, that edification may be 
ministered to him that heareth. 

The tongue often errs by the thoughtlessness of its 
motions, the volubility of its exercise, and the want of 
discretion in its themes. 

By the tongue, knowledge and instruction are imparted 
to the ignorant, counsel to the perplexed, reproof to the 
hardened, warning to the reckless, comfort to the 
mourner, and solace to the distressed. 

The tongue as well as the heart and life is accountable 
to God ; and every foolish and wicked word will be 
brought into remembrance at the last day. 

A silent tongue is often a twofold blessing ; to him 
who hath it, and to those who move in the sphere of its 
influence. 

The tongue must be placed under salutary discipline, 
and under holy restraint, and then to him who hath it, it 
will be a tree of life. 

But let not thy tongue be silent when conscience and 
religion demand its service; let it not be muflled by 
sullenness, or bridled by arrogance, or rendered indif- 
ferent or apathetic by indolence. 

Employ it in the cause of reason, humanity, liberty, 
charity, or religion. Let it not be paralyzed by the fear 
of man, or bribed by an earthly reward. When God de- 






THE TONGUE. 



mands it, speak to his praise ; when religion needs it, 
employ it for its honour ; when conscience appeals to it, 
speak for its quiet and consolation. 

Speak to thyself in self-communion, to thy fellow 
creatures in goodness and wisdom, and to thy God in 
adoring wonder, gratitude, and praise. 

So shall thy tongue be consecrated by holy oil ; thy 
character exalted by its employment : a memorial of wis- 
dom shalt thou leave behind when its utterances shall be 
stilled by death, and circumscribed by the undisturbed 
silence of the tomb. 

To those who are indifferent to this theme let the 
admonitions of the inspired apostle be remembered, " If 
any among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his 
tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is 
vain." " Who is a wise man, and endued with know- 
ledge, among you ? let him show out of a good conver- 
sation his works with meekness of wisdom." For, " if 
any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, 
and able also to bridle the whole body." 



40 



ON THOUGHTS. 

Thoughts are the moving ideas of the mind ; the 
actions of the fancy and imagination. 

Thoughts are the seeds of words, and the germ of 
actions. 

If the mind be in a state of incessant exercise, then 
how numberless must be the thoughts arising therefrom. 

Many thoughts are vain and foolish, and therefore of 
necessity useless. 

Many thoughts are ungodly and wicked ; and there- 
fore injurious to the soul and hateful to God. 

A watch over such thoughts is necessaiy to prevent 
their intrusion; and holy ejaculations are essential to 
their expulsion. 

If vain and evil thoughts lodge within us, they will 
produce a direful progeny of practical transgressions. 
For all evil begins with the volitions of the mind, and 
then becomes palpable in the actions of the life. 

Impetuous thoughts often take the mind by surprise, 
and only instant moral action will exclude them from 
possession. 

How often vague and desultory thoughts, like dark 
and lowering clouds, perplex and confuse. 

How many aerial thoughts without substance and 
utility, like birds of passage, cross the horizon of the 
soul. How fearful when blasphemies lodge in the secret 
recesses of the mind, or thoughts of hate, envy, and 
wrath, poison the spirit. Guard against thoughts of 



THOUGHTS. 41 

pride and haughtiness, as ill becoming children of the 
dust. 

Well-ordered thoughts are needful, where the discourse 
is to be fraught with wisdom, or where arranged consis- 
tency shall ornament the life. Calm meditation and 
frequent self-communion, will do much to keep thy 
thoughts well regulated. But chiefly, let thy thoughts be 
well directed, and usefully employed, and leave but little 
room or time for vain imaginings. 

How many subjects well deserve our thoughts' most 
serious cogitations. Our personal responsibility, the 
sphere in which we move, the talents God has lent, the 
uncertain tenure on which probation hangs, the vanity of 
life, the highly possible near approach of death, eternity 
with all its weighty themes of judgment, heaven, and 
hell. 

Then again, thoughts of adoring wonder in connexion 
with the daily bounties of our God, the mercies that pur- 
sue our steps and have done so, since first we breathed 
the air of life. 

And above all, the theme of our redemption, the 
boundless grace, the immeasurable love, the plenitude of 
God's compassion to our guilty race. 

The Saviour's person, work, and glory. The gospel's 
blessed tidings, the rich provisions of our Father's house, 
the precious promises, and the unending glories of the 
better land. Now on these subjects think, and think 
deeply, often ponder, weigh, deliberate. Thoughts thus 
employed, shall gather honey for the soul. 

Such thoughts shall hallow all the mental powers, and 
bring refreshment to the wearied mind, 
c 5 



42 THOUGHTS. 

Such thoughts will not lay up the seeds of guilt, or 
cause us anguish on the bed of death. 

Thoughts too, of goodness towards our fellow men — of 
sweet complacency in men of upright mind and Christian 
spirit, — kind benignity towards all around us, and of 
sympathy and pity to those who suffer, and whose tears 
of sorrow we may dry up. 

Thoughts too of useful enterprise, schemes for doing 
good, lessening the sum of sin and misery around us, and 
thus resembling in our narrow sphere, the Fountain of all 
good, our heavenly Father. 

Reader, art thou the prey of evil thoughts? do they 
bind and lead thee captive at their pleasure ? or hast thou 
by the strength of grace divine obtained the mastery ? 
are all thy thoughts subjected to the will of him who 
lives and reigns in every Christian's heart ? 

Say not that thoughts are undeserving of thy constant 
care, or are beneath thy serious vigilance ; for let it be 
remembered, that by thoughts, not actions, evil entered 
heaven, dethroned the ambitious host, and cast them with 
their leader down to the regions of fell despair and 
horror. 



43 



ON WAR AND PEACE. 

War has dinned the world, and crimsoned the earth, 
and cursed our species for ages upon ages. 

Whence originate wars, but from base passions, am- 
bitious projects, and despotic influences ? 

War is often the production of maddened rashness, 
offended pride, or avaricious lust. Men have fought to 
gain a name, to display their heroism, or to grasp the 
possessions of others. 

The martial calling has been misnamed brave, the 
battle-field misnamed glorious, and warriors misplaced 
among the worthies of mankind. 

What has war effected, and what are the results which 
follow in its train ? Agricultural sterility, commercial 
depression, national inthralment, social woe, physical 
suffering, and the unalleviated agonizing pangs of 
myriads. 

See the battle-field strewed with the wounded, the 
dying, and the dead. What indignity is offered to the 
remains of immortals, what anguish to survivors, what a 
carnival for hell. 

Desolated countries, sacked cities, burning dwellings, 
violated women, and despairing widows and orphans. 

How the vulture scents out the putrescence ; how the 
wild beast tracks the imprints of blood ; and how the 
birds of the air and the beasts of the field are gloated 
with the carcases of human victims. 

The sound of trumpets, the clash of arms, and the 
roaring of the cannon, may excite for a season ; but re- 



44 WAR AND PEACE. 

flection must follow, both to surviving conquerors and 
the conquered. The avenues of death choked with sub- 
jects, and myriads of dark and guilty spirits, crowding in 
fearful horror into the region of hades. 

Oh war ! thou curse of the world — thou bane of man 
— thou insult to reason — thou rebel against heaven ! thy 
destiny is predicted, thy doom marked out; for thou 
shalt yet be hated, reprobated, abhorred, and only re- 
membered as a woe and as a blight that has passed away 
for ever. For the nations shall not learn war any more. 

Peace, we bid thee welcome ! seated in the car of 
mercy, wearing thy chaplet of flowers, and waving thine 
olive branch of amity and love. 

How heavenly thy countenance, how sweet thy songs, 
how blissful thy triumphs. 

How pride withers at thy approach, and selfishness 
before the lustre of thine eyes. How turbulence and 
passion subside at thy bidding. 

How envy and malevolence flee before thee. 

How desolated places are built up in thy dominions ; 
how the wilderness blossoms as the rose; how trade 
prospers, and the arts flourish; how civilization advances, 
and knowledge is diffused, and pure religion promulged. 

How women bless thee, and children play within the 
circle of thy brightness. 

The lamb and the dove are thy symbols, and joy and 
blessedness thy attendants. 

Thy prince is king Messiah ; thy philosophy, the prin- 
ciples of the gospel ; thy reign, the administration of 
goodness ; thy spirit, the spirit of the Holy one ; thy 
friends, the disciples of the cross. 



LOVE. 45 

To man's heart thou art a welcome resident ; to the 
social circle, the patron saint; to the sanctuary, the 
pledge of prosperity ; to the nation, its mightiest bul- 
wark ; and to the world, its jubilee of rest and rejoicing. 

May the civilized bow to thy authority ; may the 
savage learn thy value ! and may all men praise thy 
worth ! May thy reign be universal and everlasting ! 



ON LOVE. 



Charity or love holds a pre-eminent distinction in the 
Christian system, and in the oracles of truth. All the 
commandments of the moral code are fulfilled, in love to 
God and love to man. 

The supreme love of Deity involves the sublime 
thought of entire consecration to him, delight in him, 
and reverence for him. 

Love to God, fears with holy filial fear his majesty 
and glory. It hears with holy awe his sovereign will 
and pleasure. It loves his statutes ; and his ordinances 
and laws, obeys with cheerful joy. 

Love seeks to please him always ; and counts his smile 
a present heaven, and his loving-kindness better far than 
life. 

Love walks before him in sincerity of heart, and holi- 
ness of life. Love holds sweet communion with him, 
and ever seeks a perfect likeness to him. 



46 LOVE. 

Such love hastens to acts of self-denial, and counts all 
things but loss, contrasted with his peace bestowed, that 
far surpasseth all our knowledge. 

Love extols his name and attributes, and spends a 
blissful life of cheerful praise. 

Love thirsts and longs to see him in the glorified 
humanity of his Son. This love to God in saints, is 
kindred with the flaming hallowed emotions of seraphim 
and cherubim ; except this difference, that its highest 
notes of wondering praise refer to Calvary. 

Where love to God exists in purity and truth, there 
will be love to man. For who can love his God — in- 
visible, and not love him, the creature of his hand, our 
fellow-brother who stands before our gaze. 

Love pure and celestial, flows in gushing streams, to 
its own native ocean ; but on its course it fills the earthly 
channel with its waters, and fertilizes all on every side. 

Love in its upward, pure reflection, is grand and won- 
derously sublime : and how sweet and radiant in its 
beams of goodness, as they beautify and bless the human 
sphere. 

Love to our fellow-men, is gentleness embodied, and is 
full of pity, kindness, and benignity. 

It ever feels for human suffering, and ne'er forgets to 
sympathize with tears and sorrow. Its bowels yearn 
o'er human misery, and it joys to ease one sigh of 
anguish, or remove one want of keen adversity. 

It feels with powerful emotion, it speaks with earnest 
goodness, and relieves with prompt and holy pleasure 
and delight. 

This love is full of candid confidence — thinketh no 



LOVE. 47 

evil except where it is manifest. It rejoiceth not in 
human frailty, but construes kindly all it knows and hears. 

It is not a spasmodic effort, produced by witnessing 
some dire calamity, but the abiding inward light and 
warmth of heaven ! 

Contrast it with cold selfishness, that northern frigid 
zone, that sea of icebergs. This, the genial clime of 
fertile beauty. That, contracts the bosom, chills the 
heart, and paralyzes all the powers of action. This, 
expands, softens, cheers, blesses, and gives feet of 
swiftness, and soaringwings that leave a cold and cal- 
culating world far, farbeneath. 

Love as it emanates from Deity, conforms the pos- 
sessor to his benignant likeness. It blesseth him who 
hath it, with a constant spring of pure enjoyment, and 
gives to every deed of goodness, the fragrant odour of 
true piety. 

Heaven is the realm of love ; and this blends all its 
blest society in bonds of amity divine. 

This love once lived on earth, and taught its glorious 
truths and benign principles to men. And having lived 
mid miracles of gracious splendour ; suspended on the 
cross, it died to bless and save a guilty world. 

The spirit of love Jesus sent down on all his holy 
followers to rest. This, is the evidence of saintship, the 
badge of all Emanuel's true disciples. This, the summit of 
New Testament perfection, the end of law and gospel, the 
fruit alike of holy grace and precious blood. The atmo- 
sphere alone where piety can breathe, or grow, or live. 
Let the proud sectary boast of his faultless creed, 
the strict adherence to the rites of holy writ, of apostolical 
succession, or a practice pure and blameless as those first 



48 LOVE. 

of gospel preachers to mankind ; yet if love be wanting, 
all is valueless and vain. 

Let men who seek the praise of fellow-mortals, give 
their alms in rich profusion, or pant to tread the martyr's 
blood imprinted steps. Yet without love, the whole is 
worthless pageantry, and shall perish in the fires of its 
own kindling. 

Let rigid acts of personal severity be performed, an 
ascetic life pursued, and let the fame of high and deep 
and comprehensive sanctity be trumpeted abroad ; yet 
this is but a cold putrescent corpse, if love be wanting 
there. 

Christian ! thy God is love. Christ, that love en- 
shrined in thine own nature : religion, the spirit of the 
Saviour's love within thee : and for this, no substitute in 
earth or heaven is found. 

See to it, thy love is pure and heavenly, in its nature 
sincere and guileless, the principle of all thy piety to- 
wards God, and kindness to thy fellow men. 

This exotic of celestial growth, cherish with tender- 
ness and care, fan its desires, and keep it burning on the 
altar of thy soul. With shining gifts or splendid talents 
thou mayest dispense, and many graces too are only 
needful in a world of sin and imperfection. Faith will 
expire amidst the splendours of the burning throne ; and 
hope be lost in the ocean of fruition's joys ; and patience 
ne'er be known where all is rapture ; but love with in- 
creased radiant beauty, will adorn the family of God in 
heaven for evermore. 

Extinguish this, and all the rapturous songs of the 
beatified would cease ! extinguish this, and heaven itself 
would be no more ! 



49 



ON FREEDOM. 

Freedom not lawlessness, — freedom not equality. 

Freedom of limb, — freedom of thought, — freedom of 
speech. 

Freedom to every tribe — and every colour — and every 
class. 

Freedom from despotical rule, — freedom from demo- 
cratical tyranny, — freedom from the terrors of the mob- 
ocracy. 

Freedom to breath the air of liberty, freedom to dispose 
of my toils, freedom to improve my intellect, freedom to 
exercise my political rights, freedom to live, and labour, 
and think, and act as a man, all the world over. 

Freedom in the state, from partial laws, and restricted 
enactments, and inquisitorial annoyances, and franchised 
disabilities. 

Freedom ecclesiastical, to read the eternal oracles, to 
labour to comprehend their meaning, to judge of their 
truths, and to worship as the dictates of an enlightened 
conscience would suggest. 

Freedom to praise and pray, to speak or hear in things 
divine, not as a matter of toleration, but inherent right, 
one of the richest boons of heaven to man. 

Freedom to support that form of religion that harmo- 
nizes most with my mind, enlarges most my heart, and 
betters most my life. 

Freedom from the fangs of state persecution, ecclesias- 
tical jurisdiction, and star-chamber oppression. Freedom 



50 FREEDOM. 

from tithe, and tax, and rate, as by human law enacted 
on the whole, for the benefit of the few. 

Freedom for every one around the domestic hearth, 
from petty tyranny, and domestic intolerance. 

Freedom in the work-shop, for the sons of toil, from 
coercive customs, iniquitous fines, and intemperate asso- 
ciations. 

Freedom of soul from the domination of ignorance, 
the fetters of vice, the influence of the world, and the 
vassalage of Satan. 

Freedom from the spirit of discontent, from the re- 
mains of the carnal mind, from the body of sin and 
death. 

Freedom — perfect freedom ! Freedom everlasting ! 
Whom the Son makes free, they are free indeed. 

The man who is not free, exists, but does not live. 

The assailer of freedom insults his own nature, de- 
grades his species, mocks his Saviour, disgraces religion, 
and attacks the government of God. Down, down with 
slavery of every kind — the slavery of colour, the slavery 
of class, the slavery of ignorance, the slavery of intole- 
rance. 

Her dominion is built on proud assumption, sustained 
by fiendish cruelty, and perpetuated by the idolatry of 
self. 

Freedom, freedom! to Columbia's sons. Freedom to 
Afric's tribes. Freedom to the Russian serf. Freedom 
to Poland's exiles, and freedom to Erin's millions. 
Freedom, freedom ! Waft, waft ye winds the strains of 
liberty to every continent and island of our globe, to 
every home and hearth, to every child of man. 



51 



ON SUPERSTITION. 

Superstition, the offspring of ignorance, the slave of 
credulity, and alike the cause and the victim of fear : 
Darkness its region, mystery its costume, idolatry its pa- 
tron, and degradation its result. 

The instrument of Satan, the caterer of priestcraft, and 
the curse of its votaries. 

It is alike the agent of the magician, the wand of the 
wizard, the ally of the rain-maker, the hope of the en- 
chanter, and the patron of the juggler. 

It darkens the understanding, perverts the judgment, 
bribes the conscience, agitates the passions, and hardens 
the heart. 

It prostrates the intellect, enervates the faculties, and is 
the blight of the soul. 

It revels in fancies, is the patron of dreams, and tra- 
deth in omens. 

It beholdeth spectres, it heareth fearful monitions, and 
anticipateth horrors. 

It is conversant with the stars, observeth the winds, 
and prognosticateth the seasons. 

It exileth pleasure, extinguisheth hope, and paralyzeth 
exertion. 

It is the chief ally of the wicked one, the bane of the 
heathen, and the main pillar of papistry. 

It decrieth reading, forbids private judgment, and 
hateth improvements. 



52 



SUPERSTITION. 



Its fetters are strong, its citadels numberless, and its 
influence almost universal. 

Its ascendency is awful, its customs hideous, its rites 
sanguinary, its attendant and its consummation, everlast- 
ing burnings. 

Light, its antidote — knowledge, its antagonist — truth, 
its destroyer. 

The Bible has held it up to abhorrence, and revealed 
religion shall annihilate it. 

Its days are numbered, its doom pronounced, its over- 
throw certain. 

Reader ! art thou free from it ? is the spell entirely 
broken, the charm radically dissolved, the poison tho- 
roughly exterminated ? 

Forget not that it libels thy God, therefore, abhor it. 
It is of the serpent of hell, therefore, repel it. It is the 
incubus of the church, therefore, with holy heroism assail 
it ; it is the ignoble brand of thy species, therefore, spare 
it not, but seek its utter and eternal destruction. 



53 



ON LIGHT. 

Light, the first-born of material creatures, which 
shone forth at the omnific bidding of Jehovah. " For 
God said, Let there be light, and there was light." 

How subtle its nature, how radiant with beauty, how 
pure its essence, and how rapid its velocity. 

Its properties and uses have not yet been fully dis- 
covered ; but it is evidently the medium of vision, a 
cause of vegetation, and source of health and activity to 
our world. 

It is the painter of colours, and the adorner of nature, 
and the element of day. 

Without it, the earth would be one dreary cavern, and 
the globe one gloomy prison. 

How gentle its rays, how benignant its beams, how 
cheering its influence ! 

It is the soul of the material universe, the rejoicing of 
man, and the welcome visiter to most of the inferior 
creatures. 

The birds sing its welcome dawning, the flower openeth 
to inhale its sweetness, and the cattle of the field express 
their gladness at its approach. 

How joyously it is hailed by the tempest-tossed mari- 
ner, by the wakeful invalid, and the early traveller ! 

In itself, one of the best gifts of heaven, and one of 
the brightest resemblances of its Creator. 

Symbol of the divine knowledge, the divine purity, 
and the divine benevolence. For he is the Father of 
lights. 



54 LIGHT. 

Symbol of the heavenly Teacher, and the world's Re- 
deemer ; for he is the Light of the world. 

Symbol of the saints of the Most High j for they are 
the children of the light and of the day. 

Symbol of intelligence, truth, and piety ; for the path 
of the just is as the shining light. 

Symbol of joy and felicity ; for light is sown for the 
righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. 

Symbol of God's favour and salvation ; " cause thy 
face to shine upon us, and so we shall be saved." 

Symbol of the earth's millennial glory ; for the light of 
the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of 
the sun as the light of seven days. 

Symbol of the blissful enjoyments of heaven, " For 
the Lord is its everlasting light and glory ;" and " there 
is no night there." 

It is the mandate of heaven, " let light be," and all 
holy intelligences favour its diffusion. 

Let the light of science, and philosophy, and letters, 
exalt to intellectuality every nation of the earth. 

Let the light of truth disperse the errors of superstition 
and ignorance from our world. 

Let the light of revelation illumine with saving rays, 
every nation, and kindred, and people, and tongue. 

Let the light of celestial favour form the day of hope 
and rejoicing in every heart of man. 

Let light be diffused from the printing press — from the 
village school — from the college — from the institutions 
of science, and from the sanctuary of religion. 

Let the monarch and the subject, the legislator and the 
governed, the rich and the poor, all unite for its diffusion. 



SECTARIANISM. 55 

Let the parent at home, the teacher in the school, the 
preacher in the pulpit, all labour for its promulgation. 

Light of every kind, in every form, on every subject, 
and for every man. Satan and his compeers only hate it, 
despots only dread it, and the savage and the vicious 
only despise it. 

Let it prevail, and ignorance will be annihilated, and 
crime decreased, toil lightened, and suffering alleviated. 

Let it be the resident of the mind — the favourite guest 
of the family — the angel of the church — as it will be the 
joy of the earth, and the glory of heaven. 



SECTARIANISM. 

Sectarianism is that spirit which actuates the re- 
ligious partizan, to elevate the peculiar distinctions of his 
own creed to the deterioration of Christians of all other 
persuasions. 

A sectarian instead of giving importance to all princi- 
ples, according to their real value and position in the 
Christian system, generally reverses this order which 
reason and philosophy would recommend ; and cries up 
only the really unimportant littlenesses of his own party. 

A sectarian is of necessity a little thing, having to do 
with little things, but exhibiting a great deal of pomp in 
their arrangement and defence. 



m 



SECTARIANISM. 



Sectarianism does not so much seek the glory of the 
founder of Christianity, but the honour and emblazon- 
ment of the author of its peculiarities ; as it lauds Paul 
or Apollos, or Cephas, or Luther, or Calvin, or Wesley. 

Sectarianism has its own Shibboleth, and sometimes its 
own costume, and always the peculiar phraseology of its 
own isolated religious province. 

Sectarianism too, has its anathemas ; and the most 
severe are generally directed against those, who in the 
main agree with it, but who do not happen to accord 
with all its minor views or technicalities of expression. 

Sectarianism appeals extensively to human authority ; 
as for instance, to the fathers or councils, or men of their 
own party, famous for theological acumen or polemical 
skill. 

Sectarianism began at Corinth during the age of the 
apostles, and has run parallel with the church of Christ 
to the present day. 

Its name is legion, and like the fabled chamelion, it is 
ever changing its colours. 

It is doubtful if any of the various forms of Chris- 
tianity are free from it; for its spirit pervades all religious 
assemblies, and its advocates are to be found in all eccle- 
siastical communities. 

Sectarianism is often traceable to imperiousness of 
spirit, assuming to itself a right of judgment, which 
equally belongs to all rational beings. 

With the thorough sectarian, charity is at discount ; 
forbearance repudiated as sickly sentimentality ; and 
truth all and in all, — that is, in reality the truth of their 
own dogmas. 



SECTARIANISM. 57 

The sectary narrows the divinely narrow path of sal- 
vation, and makes the strait gate only just wide enough 
for the disciples of his own school. 

The sectarian may be learned, but it is not the intelli- 
gence of revelation ; he may be logical, but it is that of 
the schools, and inharmonious with the simple spirit of 
the gospel, or the teachings of the Saviour. 

The sectarian is often zealous and vehement like the 
pharisees of old, ready to compass sea and land to make 
one proselyte. 

The antidote to sectarianism is a thorough knowledge 
of the great principles of the gospel, candour to see the 
influence of these on others, and ingenuousness to con- 
fess it, and charity to rejoice in it. 

It may be assumed that there is no form of Christianity 
so polluted, but it retains some purity ; or so corrupt, but 
it may embody much that is genuine and excellent ; or 
so apostate from the line of the apostles, but may have 
many heaven-accepted disciples in it. 

Sectarianism has been the bane of all ages, the distrac- 
tion of all countries, and plague spot of all denominations. 

To remedy it, men have recommended a uniformity ; 
the very thing that nature abhorreth, and reason avers to 
be among the impossibles. Others have propounded a 
scheme of comprehensive liberality, which should admit 
all men to be Christians who profess it, and no truth to 
be essential which is cavilled at. Such a remedy would 
certainly destroy sectarianism, but Christianity would as 
inevitably be consumed in its ashes. 

Revelation proposes a remedy, simple, appropriate, 



58 LIBERALITY. 

and effective, it is "unity of spirit," or catholicity of feel- 
ing, maintained inviolably in " the bonds of peace." 

When all men cherish unfeigned love in their hearts, 
which is the very heart of Christianity — towards all the 
disciples of Jesus ; then will men be attracted by the de- 
lightful scene, and the world will be constrained to 
believe that the author of such a religion was the Sent of 
the Father of mercies, that he might bless and save the 
world. Let the scriptures assume their intended high 
pre-eminence, and Jesus be the one rabbi ; and love, the 
one atmosphere 5 and sectarianism would be doomed to 
instant and complete annihilation. 



LIBERALITY. 

Our theme is liberality. — Not the beneficence of self- 
inflated righteousness. 

Not the giving forth of alms with heralds trumpeting 
the deed. 

Not that which courteth observation, or only finds an 
element congenial in the applause of men : nor is it that 
which trampleth on justice in its boasted course of doing 
good. 

Christian liberality is that of principle, the spirit of a 
soul in harmony with Heaven's own influences and laws. 

It takes its rise in holy gratefulness to God, and flows 
in streams of cheerful benefits to man. 



LIBERALITY. 59 

Though a principle of such exalted rank and high 
descent, yet it is humble, meek, and courteous. Its pur- 
poses are formed in private, its deeds with quietness per- 
formed, the left hand knowing not the gifts the right 
dispenseth. 

The liberal spirit feeds in pastures of perpetual green- 
ness, and basks in Heaven's own sunshine, and bathes in 
ciystal streams of pleasure. 

No marvel that a soul thus favoured should be fair and 
%'io-orous ; should be hale and strong; ; and thrive and 
prosper, as the willow by the water-brooks. 

What should be the model of the Christian's liberality ? 
Even the rich perpetual beneficence of God. The grace 
that so abounded towards us, in the condescension, the 
poverty, and the sufferings of His own Son, our ever 
blessed Lord. 

His soul so full of love, he consecrated in the garden, 
and on the cross, to save our world. He gave Himself. 
How wondrous and unspeakable the gift ! 

How many telling emblems of this spirit nature fur- 
nish eth. 

How freely does the ocean yield its waters to the empty 
clouds; and they again, how richly do they pour their 
fertilizing drops to cheer and bless the thirsty earth ! 

The sun, the centre and the glory of the solar system, 
the material spirit of its light and joy, how plente- 
ously his golden beams are scattered through our world ! 

The earth though cursed by man's transgression, yet 
yieldeth to the sower oftentimes a hundredfold. 

The air, the element of life, pervadeth every place, that 
men may breathe it. 

d 2 



60 LIBERALITY. 

The orchard, with its laden boughs of cooling fruits, 
presents with yearly constancy, its gifts to men. 

The avaricious wretch, and sordid seining, may blush 
indeed to contemplate these emblems of beneficence. 

But, peradventure, nature may have appropriate sym- 
bols for his case ; the sterile rock — the arid plain — the 
sandy desert — the iceberg rolling in the northern sea — 
the barren fig tree — the withered leaf — the blighted 
fruit — all — all set forth the selfish character. 

But more, this spirit has within it, its own inherent 
curse j this grasping principle, oft tends to certain 
poverty. It isolates its miserable victim from the joys of 
social blessedness ; it petrifies all within, and withers all 
without. It ossifies the heart, steels the affections, dries 
up the channels of true pleasure, and makes the man a 
wreck, and then encircles him within the fearful mael- 
stroom of utter ruin. 

The stranger to this spirit of liberality, is faithless to 
his God, a living misery, and a nuisance in the world. 

The liberal are truly blest and dignified ; their path 
like that of opening day, shines brighter onwards to me- 
ridian noon. 

And what a world is this for liberality to bless ! what 
poverty to help, what sorrow to relieve, what sympathy 
to give, what misery to assuage, what suffering to anni- 
hilate ! 

And he who lighteneth but one cheerless room, 
removes one source of sorrow, and makes one mourning: 
spirit happy, hath not lived in vain. 

But in this course of duty oft to walk, and in these 
acts of goodness to abound, is the true end of life : and 



LIBERALITY. 61 

life thus spent shall please our Heavenly Father, and 
bring unnumbered blessings on our souls. 

Be liberal then in heart, in practice of well doing, and 
also let thy spirit feel no galling chains of bigotry or base 
intolerance. 

Think for thyself and let thy fellows all around thee, 
enjoy with thee the common birth-right of our race. 

Judge not another; assume no lordly airs of super- 
cilious consequence. Where thou canst not praise, be 
slow to blame ; where much may cause to fear, still kind- 
ly hope ; and where no hope with safety can be cherished, 
pass not thou sentence ; but leave the sequel to the Judge 
of all, who doeth right to all his creatures. 

Besides the excellency of this spirit, it will be to thee 
a source of secret happiness, of which narrow, envious 
souls know nothing. 



62 



TALENTS. 

Man ! thou art a steward on probation ; life thy time of 
action, death thy day of reckoning, endless weal or woe 
thy reward. 

What has thy God committed to thy care and trust ? 
Health to be enjoyed and given to him in vigorous 
service. 

Riches to feed his poor, relieve his friends, support his 
cause, and bless mankind around thee. 

Intellect of highest order, to show forth the grandeur of 
his works, the glory of his government, or sublimity of 
sovereign love. 

The understanding clear, the judgment vigorous and 
acute ; to elevate pure truth, and expose error, and spread 
abroad the germs of soundest knowledge. 

Or, is thy tongue fraught with flowing eloquence, to 
teach and show mankind their greatest good, the only 
way to perfect blessedness. 

Or, with weighty influence art thou favoured, to excite 
the mass, to move the powerful, and to draw the latent 
talent from its hiding, and the hoarded wealth to useful 
purposes. 

Man, whate'er thy talents are, from God they came, 
and unto him the final reckoning must be paid. 

Wrap not heaven's gifts in the handkerchief of sloth, 
nor hide them in the earth of indolence. 

Apply not gifts for others to thyself. Hoard not up 
that, sent to be scattered far and wide. 



TALENTS. 63 

Pervert not by thy vain and crooked mind, blessings 
from their true end, or streams from their appropriate 
channels. 

Perverted talents will disturb thy rest, and break thy 
midnight slumbers. 

Perverted talents will make thy last sick room dark 
with the shadows of the future, and plant with many 
thorns thy dying pillow. 

What, if on thine ear, just as the step into eternity is 
taken, the sound should fall, " unprofitable servant, slave 
of self, execrated wretch ! " What, if when thou standest 
at the final bar, and God thy judge, that time, and health, 
and riches, and talents, and influence, should all appear 
as hideous spectres to affright thy soul with horrors in 
that day ! 

Man ! thou art a steward, and grace and wisdom both 
are needful to discharge with faithfulness thy trust. 

Seek counsel from on high ; commit thy way to God : 
in all thy ways acknowledge him. 

Be jealous of thyself, and daily seek the hand of God 
to guide and keep thee safe ; let conscience ever reign 
unbiassed in thee ; set God before thee ; let his glory be 
thy one chief end — his approbation thy most earnest aim. 

Pursue not any course on which thou canst not seek 
by prayer, his blessing. 

Oft judge and try thyself, and bring eternal things 
before thy mind ; that thus when God shall call thee to 
account, thou mayest with joy exclaim, " Here, Lord, 
I am, and the talents doubled which thou gavest me !" 

So shall thy end be peace, thy memorial remain among 
the good on earth, and thy inheritance of bliss be vast 
and everlasting in the skies. 



64 



ON USEFULNESS. 

Three ends of thy being God hath placed before thee ; 
to improve thyself, to glorify him, and to be useful to thy 
fellow-men. 

Neglecting the first, thou art a barren cumberer of the 
ground ; the second, a faithless servant ; and the third, 
a misanthrope to thy species. 

Our theme is usefulness, and what is thy response ? Is 
the end of thy existence in reference to others answered ? 

Art thou a sound connecting link in the chain of our 
humanity ? A working bee in the hive of real industry ? 
Dost thou add to the number and amount of the en- 
joyments of those around thee ? 

Take a wide or a minute survey of creation, and thou 
shalt find in the material universe, no useless thing, nor 
redundant atom — no, not one unnecessary grain of sand. 

All trees, and herbs, and plants, and flowers, have 
their varied spheres and degrees of utility. 

Every drop that mingleth in the waters of the vasty 
deep, and every ray that proceedeth from the sun, have 
their appropriate and destined end to fill — and answer 
well the purposes of Him who formed them. 

All living things that move in seas, or air, or earth, 
fill their own spheres of life and action usefully. But 
man, the child of reason and intelligence, perverted by 
the fall, runs into devious ways of sin and inutility. 

How many are the living curses of their dwellings ! 
How many plague spots on the body politic ! How 



ON USEFULNESS. 65 

many, as the dire miasma spreading fumes of pestilential 
misery round ! How many, sink below the brute, and 
close allied to demons ! How many are as noxious 
weeds, and wandering stars, and empty clouds ! 

How many, who run greedily to do the tempter's bid- 
ding! How many fell devourers of the good of others, 
and who madly quench their own bright hopes of future 
good! 

How many, the progeny of indolence, and satiated 
vice, and fleshly pampering ! How many only gorging 
in their iniquities, and fattening as the ox for final 
slaughter ! 

Oh man be useful ! diffuse some rays of knowledge, 
blot out some ignorance, efface some crime, dispel some 
wretchedness. Let others be the better for thy being, 
scatter abroad the seeds of truth and goodness, increase 
the sum of human joy and bliss. 

The young are rising round thee ; oh ! be their faithful 
monitor and friend, and train them up as blessings to the 
world, and pillars in the Saviour's rising church. 

The poor live near thee ; devise some liberal things for 
them, befriend in time of need ; a portion of thy plenty 
give, and with it words of sympathy and consolation. 

The sick are moaning on their beds of pain and 
anguish ; go, solace them, weep in their tears, and rear 
the cross of Christ, and gently lead them to its saving 
shelter. 

The oppressed groan, and men in bondage and debase- 
ment wear their chains. Plead for the captive, assert 
humanity's own birthright, and cease not till the slave 
bursts forth a freeman in thy presence. 

d 5 



MAN AS HE WAS. 



The inferior animals, so called, are galled and goaded 
by man's cruelty ; the noble horse, the toiling ass, the 
faithful dog, appeal to thee for mercy ; open thy mouth 
for the dumb, and plead with earnestness their cause. 

Be useful, and thus be blest and happy. Be useful, 
and honour thine own nature. Be useful, and shine as 
an example to thy fellows. Be useful, and serve thy 
generation. Be useful, and know the luxury of pleasing 
God and doing good. 



MAN— AS HE WAS. 

Man the last made of earth-formed beings. The 
finishing stroke of the divine operations ; the connexion 
of earth with heaven — mind with matter, and angels 
with the inferior creatures. 

In his body, modified dust ; in his soul, ethereal spirit. 
The perfection of earthly beauty, and a ray of heavenly 
splendour. 

The relation and Lord of the irrational brute, the com- 
panion and kinsman of angels, the immediate production 
and resemblance of divinity. 

The world in miniature — the germ of the universe — an 
existence for immortality. 

Illumined with intellectual light, beautified with celes- 
tial truth, inflamed with seraphic passions, armed with 
divine authority, and crowned with glory and honour. 

His Father, God ; his mother, the earth ; his estate, 



MAN AS HE WAS. 67 

the world ; his palace, Eden ; his inheritance, all enjoy- 
able good. 

What fire was in his eye, what brightness in his brow, 
what grace in his countenance, what majesty in his mien. 
He walks erect with his face towards heaven. He 
touches the earth only with the soles of his feet. 

His eye is blessed with radiant scenes, his ear with 
melodious sounds, his taste with delicious gratification. 
His head, how fitted to design, and his hands to execute. 
Innocency dwells in his heart, nobility in his soul, and 
composure in his spirit. 

No doubt perplexes him — no anxiety annoys him — no 
fear alarms him — no shame confuses him, — for as yet no 
sin has defiled him. The glory of God, he receives an 
help meet to be the glory of himself. The monarch of 
earth is wedded to the queen of beauty ; and manly 
dignity is united in aifectionate bonds, with womanly 
loveliness. 

His inferior only in strength and in age ; his equal in 
nature and attributes, and his superior in winning sweet- 
ness and tender attraction. Not so robust, but more soft 
and gentle ; not so firm, but equally elastic ; not so com- 
manding, but fascination embodied, and loveliness in the 
concrete. 

Both were invigorated with health, overflowing with 
life, and enraptured with enjoyment. 

God beheld them with approbation, angels with delight, 
all irrational creatures with awe, and devils with envy. 

Their inheritance was a life one — even an undying life ; 
its term was easy, lasting obedience -, its reward, continued 
uninterrupted bliss. 



68 MAN AS HE IS. 

We would linger around this scene, and do justice to 
the picture of our great sire, but how can a degenerate 
child of dust, draw with unerring precision and fulness 
of description, man when holy, majestic, and allied with 
the divine ? 



MAN— AS HE IS. 

Fallen, fallen, fallen ! the crown of glory has fallen 
from his head, the sceptre of authority from his grasp y 
the robe of innocency from his person, and the domain of 
paradise from his possession. 

Fallen, fallen, fallen ! by guilt — that guilt his own, the 
voluntary transgression of his own mind. The eye saw, 
the tempter allured, the heart desired, and disobedience 
broke through the boundary of divine authority and love. 

Aspiring, he fell, disbelieving, he threw off his allegi- 
ance to heaven, credulous, he became the victim of the 
evil one. 

His richest gift became his tempter, and the super- 
abounding goodness of God in the gift of Eve, the occa- 
sion — not the cause, of his ruin. How changed the gold ! 
how marred the fine gold ! 

The panorama of Eden is changed ; the clouds 
lower — the tempest threatens — nature trembles, and man 
flies. Angels marvel and suspend their songs ; devils 
riot in malevolent rejoicings. 

The covenant of paternal kindness is broken, the 



MAN AS HE IS. 



compact dissolved. Angels return from their em- 
bassy, and man attempts to hide in secresy from his 
God. Deity pursues, the criminals are placed under 
arrest, examination follows, conviction ensues, sentence 
is pronounced, but judgment is suspended. 

Eden is lost. The lord becomes a vassal ; and the 
great vicegerent of heaven becomes a son of toil, and turns 
to the earth with burdened soul, and brow of sweat, 
to earn his daily pittance. 

Degradation, disease, and sorrow ; suffering, pain, and 
death ; are all included items in the curse. The brilliant 
lamp of the mind darkened, the correct judgment warped 
by error, the noble affections grovelling in the dust, the 
majestic will under Satanic control, and the conscience, 
God's vicegerent, bribed and corrupted at its post. 
Within, degradation ; without, a wreck, and all, in ruins. 
Carnal in his mind, earthly in his affections, and devilish 
in his imaginations. 

A rebel to the divine government, a traitor to his God, 
and a murderer of his posterity. Had he been utterly 
abandoned by God his fall would have been lower and 
yet lower, until hell had engulphed the original sinner 
with all his guilty progeny. 

Desire for holiness and good he had none, dread of 
impending torment much, but of ability to avert it, even 
not the semblance remained behind. 

Thus the tree of human nature became corrupted at 
the root, and the stream polluted at the fountain. By 
one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; 
God created man upright, but behold he sought out many 
inventions. 



70 MAN AS HE MAY BECOME. 

Dark is the survey, and darker still the ominous future ; 
but mercy triumphed in the hour of man's extremity, and 
in the midst of wrath, the God who made him upright, 
and whose laws he had infringed, becomes his help, his 
hope, his Redeemer. 

Over the scene of man's first trial is heard in accents 
of compassion, " Thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me 
is thy help found." 



MAN— AS HE MAY BECOME. 

We have seen man in his pristine glory, and have be- 
held him in his ruined estate, we inquire now what is the 
destiny before him, and what by the superaboundings of 
grace he may become ? 

Dark, he may be enlightened; for the true light shineth, 
and in its restoring beams it is his privilege to walk. 
The Father of lights hath visited him. The light of the 
world redeemed him. The light of the gospel sur- 
rounds him, and the light of the Spirit watcheth to have 
entrance to his mind, that he may become a child of the 
light and of the morning. 

Guilty — he may be forgiven. God can be just, and yet 
justify the ungodly who believe in his Son. Pardon 
from the lips of Jesus is proclaimed ; it flows through his 
blood, and is the grand peculiarity of his gospel. Par- 



MAN AS HE MAY BECOME. 71 

don, free, full, entire, everlasting. Pardon for all sin, 
and for all sinners. 

Unholy — he may be sanctified. The blood that speaks 
the pardon washes out the stain ; the grace that justifies, 
regenerates ; that engrafts into Christ, conforms also to 
his image; and the spirit of light to the mind, is the 
spirit of purity to the heart. 

Sin spoiled the original workmanship, grace restores it 
to the divine likeness, and rears it up as a monument to 
the divine glory. 

Alienated — he may be adopted. Christ brought the 
divinity to earth, to raise the humanity to the skies. 
Christ is the meeting place of the rebel and the judge. 
Here the rebel relents and confesses, and here the 
Judge is gracious to forgive, and receives with joy the 
contrite prodigal to his home, long forfeited by his 
crimes. 

Adopted, the name of God he bears, the Spirit of 
God receives, and communion with God enjoys. 
Adopted, he is clothed from the wardrobe of mercy, 
supplied with the provisions of grace, and enriched with 
the promises of glory. Adopted, he is higher than the 
angels, the brother of the Mediator, and the delight of 
Jehovah. 

What may man become, irradiated with bright intel- 
lectuality, adorned with the beauties of holiness, and 
glorious in the anticipations of immortality ? 

The celestial ladder he scales, is visited by angels, and 
it connects him with Deity. From glory to glory he is 
changed by spiritual transformations, until pure in heart 
he sees God. Sanctified in body, soul, and spirit, and 



72 



DEPRAVITY. 



then by one momentary transition placed in the heavenly 
state, and before the burning effulgent throne. 

Dignity, peace, bliss, immortality, are all within his 
grasp. The crown of glory glitters through the skies, 
and an innumerable company of angels wait to welcome 
him to the mansions of the just. 

Oh man ! stand on the rock, higher than thyself, rise 
on the wings of a holy devotion, pierce the future with 
thine eagle eye of faith ; for now, thou art a son of God, 
but it doth not yet appear what thou shalt be ; but when 
Christ shall appear, thou shalt be like him, for thou shalt 
see him as he is. 



ON DEPRAVITY. 

The doctrine of human depravity is most distinctly re- 
vealed in the holy scriptures. It traces it up to the fall 
of our first parents, and describes it as affecting all their 
progeny. 

It insisteth not, that man is a partaker of the guilt of 
the first sin in paradise, but that the influence of that sin 
impaired the moral powers of the first transgressors, and 
that the baneful effects arising therefrom, have been 
transmitted to every human being. 

It followeth then, that in our race there is naturally 
wanting that divine and original purity with which Adam 



DEPRAVITY. 73 

and Eve were invested, and that the tendency of the 
mind is to evil and not to good. 

It also followeth from this, that the actions of all 
persons, who become responsible agents, so soon as reason 
dawneth, are wanting in that purity of principle and 
righteousness of action which God justly requireth ; and 
therefore in the eyes of omniscient purity are sinful. No 
wonder then that in connexion with this, positive com- 
mands should be violated, and personal transgression and 
guilt follow. 

To extricate men from this dilemma of depravity, a 
variety of expedients have been adopted, both in ancient 
and modern times ; education and philosophy have been 
extolled as specifics ; but we find the same traits of evil 
evinced among the most learned as among the most 
illiterate. 

Human laws tend to check and restrain vicious acts 
against the property and lives of men; but they do 
nothing to restore man to a right and holy state of mind 
towards God. 

The evidences of the carnal mind have been manifested 
in all ages, among all ranks and conditions of men, and 
in all states and circumstances of society. 

They are seen in young children, and in the grey- 
headed sire ; and they are common to all countries, and 
climes, and colours, and tongues. 

Not one pure paradisiacal tribe of men have been found 
on the face of the earth. 

However dissimilar men may be in other respects, they 
are all guilty in the sight of God, and " there is none 
righteous, no not one." 



74 DEPRAVITY. 

If human inventions have failed to rectify the heart, 
and thoroughly to amend the life, are we, therefore, to 
conclude the case one of hopelessness ? 

By no means ; divine mercy has devised a specific, an 
infallible remedy. 

Infinite love provided that remedy, by the sacrifice of 
the Son of God ; and faith in the virtues of his blood, 
brings moral purity and health into the soul. 

By the influence of his grace and Spirit, the carnal 
mind is destroyed, and a new and heavenly nature im- 
parted j so that thus born from above, the delight of the 
soul is, to glorify God, and walk in his ordinances and 
commandments blameless. 

Christ Jesus is the great physician of the heart, and all 
others are physicians of no value. 

He obliterates guilt, and cleanseth away its pollutions, 
and introduces the reign of righteousness and peace into 
the soul. 

He restores man back to his more than pristine purity ; 
and makes him meet for communion with God on earth, 
and everlasting bliss beyond the skies. 

Depravity of heart is the fountain of all practical 
evil, therefore, seek after a new heart and a right spirit. 

Seek it where it may be obtained, and seek it while the 
remedy is proclaimed, and seek it while it may be 
available to thy case. 

Say not, I am depraved and cannot help it ; but rather 
say, I am depraved, and I lament it ; and will not in- 
crease my sin and sorrow by rejecting the remedy infinite 
mercy and compassion has provided. 

Then know thy disease, and how it has extended its 



THE SAVIOUR. 75 

virulent poison through all thy powers ; and how practi- 
cal disobedience has been daily adding to its amount of 
evil ; and rejoice, that though man has destroyed himself, 
yet in God's immeasurable grace is his help found. 



THE SAVIOUR. 

The Saviour is the most excellent of all themes, the 
sweetest of all subjects, the sublimest of all contem- 
plations. 

His titles, how resplendent, dignified, and glorious t 
His divinity, of one essence with the Godhead. Je- 
hovah's fellow — " for he thought it not robbery to be 
equal with God;" by whom all things were created, and 
for whom they are perpetuated,* and to whom all their 
glory belongeth. As the Word, speaking worlds into 
being, and by his fiat, establishing all things according to 
his will. 

To whose hands the reins of the universe are com- 
mitted ; to whose authority all creatures are subjected ; 
and whose lips shall pronounce the destiny of all. 

His throne higher — infinitely higher, than that of sera- 
phim and cherubim ; flaming hosts his servants; and the 
myriads of the redeemed, offering incessantly, the in- 
cense of their praise. Very God by nature, and indis- 
putable right, yet very man by the voluntary assumption 
of our flesh. In Him united, the Ancient of Days, and 



76 THE SAVIOUR. 

the Babe of Bethlehem — the Almightiness of Deity and 
infantile weakness — infinite intelligence, and the dawning 
mind of the child — the majesty of the Godhead, and the 
fragility of the woman's seed. 

Yet thus, not by admixture, but by unison ; not by 
confusion of natures, but by identity of person. The 
God of the universe, and the suckling at the breast of 
the virgin. 

Immanuel, God with us, by his real presence ; for us, in 
our very nature ; and to us, the unspeakable gift of God. 

Presented in the temple, circumcised according to the 
Jewish ritual, and growing in stature, and in wisdom, 
and in favour, with God and man. Baptized in the 
Jordan, tempted in the desert, and succoured by angels. 
Teaching as the great prophet, interceding as the world's 
high priest, and assuming all rule and power by the 
mandate of the Father. Living to express the divine 
character, and exhibit the divine perfections ; that whoso 
saw him, beheld the Father. 

Submissive to divine rites, obedient to divine laws, and 
the ministering servant to the children of men. 

Beautified with all graces ; fragrant with all virtues ; 
and in all things, holy, harmless, and separate from 
sinners. Honouring the law, opening the mysteries of 
heaven, and glorifying his Father. 

Assailing hypocrisy, banishing error, awing the arro- 
gant, cheering the disconsolate, and making the wretched 
happy. 

Healing the foulest diseases, rescuing from the most 
frightful maladies, and delivering from the most imminent 
perils. 



THE SAVIOUR. 



77 



Illumining the sightless eye-balls, opening the mysteri- 
ous passage of the ear to the deaf, loosening the tongue 
of the dumb, cleansing the impure, and even raising the 
dead. 

Quelling the tumults of the winds, assuaging the roar- 
ing of the seas, and quieting the waves by the power of 
his bidding ; conversing with angels, forgiving sinners, 
and overwhelming with horror the legion of the demons. 
The reprover of the oppressor, the victim of prejudice, 
the object of scorn, and the derision of the vile. 

Prostrate in the garden, seized by the soldiery, ar- 
raigned in the hall of the high priest, mocked in the 
palace of Herod, and condemned at the tribunal of 
Pilate. 
• Scourged, hated, maltreated, crucified ! 

Suspended on the cross as a malefactor, dying as a 
man, and affecting the elements of nature as a God. 

Rocks rended, upbraiding the callous spectators ; the 
retiring sun refusing to witness human atrocity ; and the 
rent veil attesting in the temple, this unparalleled deed 
of malignity and evil. 

The soldier's wanton thrust, terminates this direful 
tragedy. 

Joseph's request is met with courteous acquiescence ; 
and the tomb of the rich becomes his dwelling among the 
dead. He lies down in weakness, he slumbers in 
majesty, and rises in the splendour of his Godhead ! 

Death is overcome, the grave vanquished, the seal 
broken, the stone rolled away, the guards smitten with 
overwhelming effulgence ; and the slain one comes forth 
as the resurrection and the life. 



78 THE SAVIOUR. 

He gives solace to the Marys, sends the glad tidings to 
his disciples, re-instates Peter in his office, and breathes 
peace upon all. 

He issues the commission of mercy to the world, and 
commands the utterance of heaven's amnesty, through 
his death, to every creature. 

His warfare is accomplished, his work finished, his 
undertaking consummated, and from Olivet's summit, 
amid admiring disciples and ranks of angels, he ascendeth 
to glory. Myriads hail him welcome ! The gates of 
the celestial world are flung wide open, and the God-man, 
the Divine Son, entereth and sitteth down on the right 
hand of the majesty on high. 

Hosannah to God's anointed ! Hosannah in the highest 
heaven, " and they sung a new song, saying, Thou art 
worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; 
for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy 
blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and 



79 



ON REPENTANCE. 

Repentance is change of mind ; and the repentance 
which Christianity requireth is a sincere alteration of our 
views, and emotions, and actions with respect to God. 

Sorrow and confession, are concomitants of genuine 
repentance, but a change of mind is the radical and 
essential principle. 

Hence the entrance of light and truth into the soul are 
essential to its commencement : for so long as we see as 
formerly, why should we, indeed how can we, repent ? 

If sin is seen as trifling and unimportant, or of no 
consequence at all, how shall we be brought to hate and 
forsake it ? 

And if God be the secondary object of our souFs con- 
templation, or if we live without him in the world, how 
shall we seek with holy fervency his favour ? 

The eyes must be opened, and the unwilling ears un- 
stopped, before we can repent in earnestness and truth. 

And when the enormity of evil breaks in upon our eyes, 
when we behold the fearfulness of sinning against God, 
then the emotions of grief, and sorrow, and self-loathing 
will result. 

Anger with ourselves, loathing of former practices, an 
overwhelming sense of sin's desert, and of the vile in- 
gratitude essential to it, will produce holy shame, and 
bitter anguish, working true repentance unto life. 

And then from these, the holy, firm resolve will rise, to 
turn our back on paths so vile and perilous. 



80 ON REPENTANCE. 

Then like the humbled prodigal we shall return, and 
seek by earnest cries and supplications the pardoning 
mercy of our Heavenly Father. 

Repentance then leads from sin and thoughtlessness, to 
God, and paths of righteousness. 

And this repentance God enjoins on all, for destitute of 
this, no longings would be found for holiness ; and with- 
out holiness no man shall see the Lord. 

Before the fallow ground receives the golden grain it 
must be broken up, the plough must make long furrows 
in it ; and so before the treasure of celestial peace be 
given to man, his heart must be dissolved in true con- 
trition, and those who thus do sow in tears shall reap in 

joy- 
Repentance must be deep and earnest, entire and uni- 
versal, it must not merely flow from fear of wrath and 
hell, but from compunction and a sense of sin's own vile- 
ness. 

Repentance when effectual is allied with faith in all its 
workings, and ends in thorough, full reliance on God's 
own promises, not to cast away the soul that comes to 
him through Christ his Son. 

The anxieties and bitterness of deep repentance, who 
can tell but he who by experience knows its painful 
history ? 

But then it terminates in peace that passeth compre- 
hension, in solid comfort no heart can know but that 
which feels it, in radiant hope of future blessedness, and 
in heirship with the Saviour of the world to all the joys 
and blessedness of heaven and endless life. 



81 



A CHRISTIAN. 

A Christian is born of God, engrafted into Christ, and 
an habitation for the Holy Spirit. His nature is renewed, 
his mind illumined, his spirit changed . 

He is not what he was, for grace hath made a differ- 
ence; he is not what he desires to be, for grace is not yet 
perfected ; he is not what he shall be, for grace shall be 
consummated in glory. 

The knowledge of Christ is his treasure ; the mind of 
Christ his evidence ; the love of Christ his song ; con- 
formity to Christ his life ; to be with Christ his pre- 
eminent desire. 

By faith he rests on Christ, receives Christ, and looks 
to Christ. 

He heareth Christ's words, treadeth in Christ's steps, 
and seeketh Christ's approbation. 

He speaks the language of the Saviour's kingdom, 
reveres the Saviour's statutes and laws, obeys his ordi- 
nances, wears his costume, and lives to his glory. 

The life of Christ within him, is the principle of his 
being:, and because Christ ever lives he shall live also. 
In the Christian, Christ lives, and speaks, and acts. 

He is Christ's representative on earth, his witness be- 
fore men, and his follower before God. The Christian 
hearkens to Christ's teachings, rests on Christ's sacrifice, 
avails himself of Christ's mediation, and cheerfully obeys 
Christ's royal laws. He inquires what would Christ 
have me know, what do, and what enjoy. 

E 



82 A CHRISTIAN. 

To know Christ, is Christianity intellectual ; to obey 
Christ, Christianity practical; to enjoy Christ, Chris- 
tianity experimental ; and to be like Christ, Christianity 
perfected. 

As bread to the hungry, as water to the thirsty, as the 
rock in the sultry day, is Christ to the Christian. 

The Christian is in the world, but not of it ; among 
the world, but yet separate from it ; passing through the 
world, without attachment to it. 

The idolater boasts in his idols, the Mahommedan in 
the false prophet, and the Romanist in the virgin, but 
the Christian glories only in the cross of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

The Christian is a man and may err, an imperfect 
man, and may sin ; but a renewed man, and shall have 
his fruits unto holiness and the end everlasting life. 

The Christian is a warrior, and must fight ; but he is a 
conqueror, and must prevail. 

The Christian sojourns on earth, but dwells in heaven ; 
a pilgrim in the desert, but an enrolled denizen of the 
skies. 

The Christian is the impress of Christ, the reflection of 
the Father, and the temple of the Holy Ghost. 

Contrast him with the infidel, in his faith ; with the 
profligate, in his life; with the merely moral, in his 
heart ; and with the pharisee, in his spirit. His pedi- 
gree, from Jehovah ; his nature, from heaven ; and his 
name, from Antioch. Oh Christian ! great is thy dig- 
nity, refulgent thy glory, interminable thy blessed hope. 
All things are thine, thou art Christ's and Christ is 
God's. 



83 



PARADOXES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 

In himself, a worm, a sinner, yet equal with angels, 
a partaker of the divine nature. 

Ignorant, yet knowing all things ; poor, yet immeasu- 
rably rich ; a beggar, yet an heir of glory. 

Concealed, yet known of myriads ; despised, yet 
illustriously honoured ; dead, yet really alive ; sorrowful, 
yet always rejoicing. 

Impotent, yet can do all things ; bruised, yet can bear 
all things ; helpless, yet can suifer all things. 

Dissatisfied, yet ever content ; depressed, yet ever ex- 
ulting; ashamed, yet always glorying. 

His life a mystery, and his steps a maze, yet his path 
as the morning light, shining more and more unto the 
perfect day. 

When weakest, most strong ; when humbled, most 
exalted ; when poorest, most enriched. 

His life is from heaven, and only by dying he reaches 
it. He lies down with worms, to rank with seraphs ; he 
mingles with dust, to blaze with glory. Putrescent in 
the grave, to be decked with immortal purity. 

Mortal, yet indestructible ; perishing, yet eternal ; 
dying, yet clad with the garb of immortality. 

Knowest thou these enigmas, these hidden mysteries ? 
O Christian ! wondrous is thy life, marvellous thy 
character, illustrious thy renown, everlasting thy glory. 
" Thy life is hid with Christ in God." 
e 2 



84 



ON MORAL SYMMETRY. 

Symmetry is the appropriate adaptation of the parts ; 
and moral symmetry is the harmonious combination of 
the various graces and virtues to each other. 

In the human body, if any of the members are unduly 
large, the proportion and symmetry are destroyed ; and 
however important that member may be, its want of con- 
formity to the other members, makes it a blemish to the 
whole. 

Now the various principles of divine truth, should 
have their due and proper influence on the mind, pro- 
ducing moral symmetry in the new man. 

Hence a Christian is not to be all head or knowledge ; 
or all mouth or utterance ; or all heart or emotion ; or 
all bowels or sympathy ; or all feet or activity ; or all 
shoulders, or endurance ; but all these must be exhibited 
in their due and appropriate proportions and beautiful 
symmetry. 

How numerous are the instances of moral deformity, 
which are constantly passing before us ! 

The religion of one, is precision in r the reception and 
retention of truth. Of another, rigid and scrupulous 
exactness of conduct. Of a third, an ardent and bold 
profession. Of a fourth, an unvarying reference to joys 
and comforts experienced. Of a fifth, a glowing bene- 
volent activity. Of a sixth, a fervent devotion. And of 
a seventh, a constant glorying in the cross of the Lord 
Jesus. 



ON MORAL SYMMETRY. 85 

The religion of the New Testament, is the whole of 
these ; displayed in their mutual connexions, and har- 
mony with each other. 

Knowledge, however accurate or profound, cannot 
dispense with faith ; or faith, however vigorous, with 
love ; or love, however ardent, with obedience ; or obedi- 
ence, however cheerful, with patience ; or patience, 
however elastic, with prayer ; or prayer, however in- 
stant, with praise ; or praise, however exalted, with 
humility ; or the whole, with an entire recumbency of 
the soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, as " the way, the 
truth, and the life." ' 

Moral symmetry demandeth a devotional spirit towards 
God, a benevolent spirit towards mankind, and a self- 
denying spirit towards ourselves. 

It claimeth the exercise of justice, humility, and 
mercy ; righteousness of life, holiness of heart, and self- 
abasement of spirit. 

The moral eye must receive the light ; the moral ear, 
know the joyful sound ; the moral tongue, confess the 
Lord Jesus. 

The heart must be renewed, the spirit sanctified, and 
the life upright before God. Of what avails knowledge 
without faith, or faith without works, or both without 
love? 

The understanding must be illumined, the judgment 
sound, the affections spiritualized, the will obedient, and 
the conscience pacified. 

Let not thy religion be all intellectuality, or all 
emotion, or all profession, or all labour. But let thy 
heart rejoice in the light, and thy feet walk in it, and thy 



OO ON MORAL SYMMETRY. 

lips praise it ; and ever as thy divine Lord, work while 
it is called day, for the night cometh, when no man can 
work. 

The lively oracles ever call us to the exhibition of 
moral symmetry ; it was most perfectly exhibited in our 
great Exemplar ; and it is the work of the Holy Spirit to 
infuse the elements of it into the heart, and to produce 
the fruit of it in the life. 

While one cries, "I am for a sound creed ;" and 
another, " I am for a consistent life f* and another, " I 
am for a rich experience ;" let it be thine to say, u I am 
for the mind which was in Christ Jesus, and for the imi- 
tation of him, who in all things, hath left us an example 
that we should tread in his steps.' * 

True religion, like all the productions of the wise and 
good Spirit of God ; is complete in all its parts, uniform 
in all its influences, and of beautiful symmetry in all its 
proportions. 

Yet this symmetry does not preclude personal pre-emi- 
nence in some graces or virtues ; as peculiar fidelity in 
the Baptist, and courage in Peter, and affection in John ; 
but these, like the varying features of the countenance, 
give special identity without marring the personal beauty. 

Finally, "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever 
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever 
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever 
things are of good report ; if there be any virtue, and if 
there be any praise, think on these things.'' 



87 



ON PRAYER. 

Prayer is the presentation of our need to God. It 
may be the sighing of the soul, the contrite moaning of 
the heart, the thirstings of the spirit, or the utterance of 
the lip* 

It may be compressed into one desire, or extended into 
many petitions. 

It may be offered on the bended knee, or with the 
body prostrate, or standing before the Lord. 

It may issue from the secret closet, the social altar, or 
the sanctuary of the Most High. 

It may be the extempore effusion of the soul, or em- 
bodied in the pious form of words. 

It may be circumscribed to our need, or it may 
include the wants of the world. But genuine prayer 
must be the ardent desire of the soul ; it must be ad- 
dressed to Deity alone ; it must be presented in the name 
of the Lord Jesus Christ ; it must be offered up in the 
exercise of faith, nothing doubting ; it must pertain to 
things agreeable to the will of God ; it must be lowly, 
humble, spiritual, and sincere. 

Prayer should first of all include ourselves ; then re- 
lations and friends ; then the church of the Most High ; 
then those who are burdened with toil and suffering ; 
then all the children of humanity, and t not forgetting 
even our bitterest enemies — " Let supplication, prayers, 
thanksgiving, and intercession be made for all men." 



OO ON PRAYER. 

Especially forget not the widow and the orphan, and 
the fatherless. Forget not the traveller surrounded with 
danger; nor the imperiled mariner, who ploughs the 
waters of the foaming treacherous deep. 

Think too, of those who in bereavement's gloomy 
dwellings, sorrow. Think of the prisoner in his dungeon, 
the banished in their exile, and the bondsman in his 
slavery. Think of the rich, who are exalted on slippery 
eminences ; of those who rule and bear the sword of civil 
justice ; of all who preach the hallowed doctrines of the 
cross. 

Especially think of those who have left their father- 
land ; and now mid savage tribes, or pagan lands, midst 
deadly climes, and daily martyrdom, proclaim the 
Saviour to their fellow-men. 

Sinner, heaven's gracious amnesty allows thy prayer ! 
O pray, and be forgiven ! Repentant soul, press earnest- 
ly thy suit of anguish ; a broken heart thy God will not 
despise. 

Christian! it is thy high behest to pray always, and 
never, never faint. Pray with all prayer. Pray for all 
thou needest; for thus the promise runs, whatever is> 
asked in faith, God will bestow. Ask largely then, so- 
shall thy joy be full. 

If in the exercise of prayer, thou wouldest be mighty ; 
like Jacob, wrestle ; like Moses, plead 5 as Elijah, trust 
thy God. With pure devotion, imitate the man, who 
most of all, was after God's own heart. 

Tread in the steps of Daniel's constancy, whom hungry 
lions deterred not from his daily thrice repeated duty. 
Especially pray for the Spirit of thy Lord and Master ; 



ON PRAYER. 



and be taught of him, to pray the effectual fervent prayer 
that must prevail. 

The benefits of prayer, how great and numberless ! It 
sweeteneth toil, and blesseth labour ; it calms the mind, 
and sanctifies the breathings of the soul ; it controls the 
spirit, and beautifies the countenance, for oft, devotion's 
glory lingereth round it ; it lighteneth grief, assuageth 
sorrow, and mitigateth suffering ; it brings down pardon, 
peace, and joy, into the soul ; it takes possession of the 
hidden treasures of covenanted mercies, and makes all 
needful good its own ; it brings almighty power to help 
its impotence ; unbounded goodness, to supply its wants ; 
and influenceth grace immeasurable, to accept its 
offerings. 

Let, then, devotion's spirit ever accompany thee, when 
thou liest down or risest up, when at home or journey- 
ing to a distance. In road or market ; in solitude or 
in the crowd ; amid daily toil or sabbath exercises ; 
where'er thou art, what'er thou doest, it is thy high pre- 
rogative, thy bliss to pray. And when life's sojourning 
shall end, and the dark dreaded river intervenes between 
thee and thy final home, plunge in by prayer, and angel 
hosts will safe convey thee through it, and into heaven, 
by prayer, with holy triumph shalt thou enter. 



e 5 



90 



THE CLOSET. 

" Enter into thy closet," said the great Teacher to his 
disciples. 

" Enter into thy closet," says the Spirit which dwells 
within the Christian. 

" Enter into thy closet/' reiterates the experience of 
the way-worn traveller of earth. In the world thou 
shalt have tribulation ; in the church, often the heaving 
of the waters ; in the family, domestic trouble ; enter 
then into thy closet. 

Here, the world excluded, meditate ; here, in nearness 
to God, commune ; here, far from human ken and obser- 
vation, confess thy sins ; here, at the very footstool of 
mercy, pray ; here, on the very verge of heaven, adore 
and praise. 

Enter into thy closet with sincerity of heart, and let 
not forms and customs deceive thee ; with purity of 
motive, and let not self-complacency accompany thee ; 
with the spirit of ardent longings for thy God, and he 
shall meet with thee and bless thee. 

Momentous engagements are before thee; enter into 
thy closet, and ponder and consider. 

Difficulties surround thee ; enter into thy closet, that 
thy path may be clear. 

Temptations assail thee ; enter into thy closet, and on 
such sacred ground grapple with thine enemy, and thou 
shalt subdue him. 

Affliction's billows go over thee ; enter into thy closet 
and be upborne above the waves that threaten thee. 



THE CLOSET. 91 

Evil suddenly may have denied thee ; enter into thy 
closet and wrestle till the leprous spot is removed at the 
bidding of thy Saviour. 

In prosperity, enter into thy closet, and let the spirit of 
devotion preserve thee. 

In adversity, enter into thy closet, and be enriched 
with celestial treasures. 

Heavily burdened, enter into thy closet, and cast it all 
upon thy God, for he careth for thee. 

In thy closet bend thy knee, and prostrate thy soul, 
and humble thy spirit. 

In thy closet, utter all thy heart, express all thy wants, 
and urge all thy pleas. 

In thy closet, open thy hand of need, expand thy power 
of faith, and stretch out the wings of thy desires. 

In the closet, shut out the world, and thy soul and thy 
God be all in all. 

In the closet, let the cross be before thine eyes, and 
let Calvary be the rock of thy soul's confidence, and 
there bow before thy great sacerdotal Advocate and 
Friend, and on his mediation only trust. 

In the closet, suppress not thy groanings, stay not the 
travail of thy spirit, cease not thy sighs, give not up thy 
suit till God shall bless thee. 



92 



THE SABBATH. 

Hail day of the Lord ! hallowed from the foundation 
of the world. Thy history began when God surveyed 
the new formed world and pronounced it good. 

Then did the seventh day dawn as his chosen rest, and 
as a gift of kindness, he bestowed it as a boon to man. 

Doubtless during the antediluvian ages, did the godly 
revere its hours, and consecrate it to diviner things. At 
length we behold it interwoven with the moral deca- 
logue, and clothed with the direct authority of heaven. 

To holy, reverenced sabbaths were given great and 
especial promises ; and threatenings of divine displeasure 
were pronounced on those who desecrated God's most 
hallowed day. 

For man, did Jesus say, were sabbaths made and 
given. To break in upon continuous toil, and lighten 
the load of incessant labour. To give him seasons of 
refreshing rest, and healthful relaxation, and greater 
space for mental culture, and moral elevation. 

To bring together the separated families of men, and 
bind them round the sacred altar in holy bonds of amity 
and love. 

To lead the mind from fading, earthly things, to those 
divine realities above the skies. To raise the nobler 
faculties to services celestial, and to give on earth, the 
happy earnest of that endless rest laid up in heaven. 

What pious mind doth not exult and bid joyful wel- 
come to this day ! Its early dawn is piously anticipated 



THE SABBATH. 93 

by many a heart-felt prayer, and song of pure delight. 
How beautiful is the social circle, they surround the 
family altar, where sacred truth is read, thanksgivings 
offered, and prayers presented to our Father's throne. 

How charming is the place of holy concourse ! where 
kindred souls unite in all the exercises of public worship. 
A day thus spent in God's own courts, is better than a 
thousand. 

How many minds become illumined with the rays of 
gospel glory. How many souls receive the precious 
seed of life eternal. How many heavy hearts are 
lightened of their grievous burdens. How many eat of 
heavenly manna, and drink of waters from the anointed 
rock. How many holy feelings and desires are elicited, 
and resolutions formed of greater loyalty to Jesus, and 
of more hearty cheerful service in his cause. 

How many blessings from on high, descend until the 
earthly courts of God are filled with radiant beams of 
heavenly glory. Blessed are they who thus exalted, sit 
in heavenly places with their Lord and Saviour. 

On this high day, what kind emotions of mercy and 
compassion to our fellow men are elicited and put forth 
in deeds of pure beneficence. 

How many labour with the youthful band in sabbath 
schools, and prayerfully attempt to lead the children of 
the poor to know the precious worth of gospel truths. 
How many wend their feet towards scenes of poverty and 
deep affliction, and with the twofold good of earthly aid 
and heavenly consolation, make the wretched and the 
dying happy. 

How many take the simple pious tract from door to 



94 THE SABBATH. 

door, and ask the thoughtless starving sinner to come to 
mercy's banquet, and be blest indeed. 

How many sacred truths are uttered by the pious 
mother, who on this day labours with greater earnestness 
to train her infant charge to know and fear the Lord. 
How many end this day with sweet composure, and retire 
to meditate and ponder over the great and weighty truths 
which they have heard, and which pertain to everlasting 
things. 

How many by the strength received on this holy day, 
go forth and run the Christian race with fleeter steps, and 
weary not, nor faint. How many by the especial bless- 
ings of this queen of days, are led more ardently to seek 
that temple bright, where congregations never separate, 
nor sabbaths end. 

Then Christian, prize, oh, prize this day of God ! 
Hallow it by thoughts, and words, and deeds of heavenly 
nature, and seek not to please thyself within its precious 
hours, but how thou mayest please God and grow in 
likeness to him. 

Let not the sluggard's course be thine, who circum- 
scribeth by prolonged sleep and cherished indolence the 
day of God. 

Let it not be to thee a day of levity, of diversion, idle 
gossiping, or worldly converse ; but this day ply thy 
heavenly calling with earnest diligence. 

Let not thy reading tinge thy spirit with the earthly 
stain, but in this day dig deep into the mine of pure and 
everlasting treasures. 

There are not many sabbaths within the short and 
flitting time of man's probation. None to be wasted, 



THE SANCTUARY. 95 

trifled with, or spent in sin and folly. And yet we plead 
not for an austere observance, where cheerfulness and joy 
possess no place ; but let the cheerfulness be that which 
wisdom doth confer, and the joy be that of those who 
know their God, and are with hopeful expectation looking 
for, and hastening to, the final day of Christ. 

Reader ! seek ever on this day the spirit of thy Lord, 
and then its privileges and blessings will make thee 
meeter for an endless sabbath in the world to come. 



THE SANCTUARY. 

"How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts \ 
A day in thy courts is better than a thousand. Blessed 
are they that dwell in thy house, for they will be still 
praising thee." So sang the royal prophet, the sweet 
singer in Israel ; and so responds every loyal subject of 
Christ, every sincere follower of the Lamb. 

The sanctuary, — how associated with recollections of 
ancient glory ! Behold the patriarch with his rural altar 
of stone, and his simple oblation ; his surrounding family 
all waiting for the token of heaven's favour, the celestial 
fire. 

Behold Jacob with his stone pillow — his earthen bed 
— his cloud-formed drapery — his bespangled roof of 
glittering stars, and withal, the mystic ladder — the tra- 
versing angels — and the likeness of Jehovah ! It was 



96 THE SANCTUARY. 

none other than the house of God, and the gate of 
heaven. 

The costly tabernacle, reared with the voluntary offer- 
ings of pious Israelites in the desert ; the magnificent 
temple erected with the munificent gifts of the Jewish 
nation, with God for its architect and artificer; each 
was God's house, his sanctuary, his hallowed gracious 
dwelling. 

And now, the sanctuary of worship no longer circum- 
scribed by the boundaries of Palestine, or the locality of 
Zion, is every where, where God is recognized, adored, 
and worshipped ; with the exiled band of the persecuted 
in the mountain fastness, it is there ; with the covenanted 
host on the moorland, in the secluded ravine, or sheltered 
dell, or remoter glen, it is there. 

With the little company who meet around the cabin 
board, or on the deck of the vessel, floating on the mighty 
waters, it is there. 

With the rustic company of the village in the clean 
swept barn, it is there. 

Or in the room of the pious, where friends and neigh- 
bours meet to praise and pray, it is there. 

Or in the ancient and magnificent cathedral, where the 
forms of worship and the feelings of the soul in concord 
act, it is there. 

Or in the meeting-house of extemporaneous services, 
when heart and flesh do thirst after God, it is there. 

Or in the silence of deep waiting and inward commu- 
nion in the Friends' assembly, it is there. Wherever 
God's name is recorded, wherever God's glory is de- 
signed, wherever God's ordinances are celebrated, it is 
here. 



THE SANCTUARY. 97 

It is here God receives the tribute of praise, records 
the vow of piety, and answers the fervent prayer. 

It is here the ignorant are enlightened, the simple 
made wise, the callous softened, and the contrite healed 
and blessed. 

It is here the perplexed are directed, the doubting re- 
solved, the bereaved resigned, and the sorrowing com- 
forted. 

It is here the hungry are fed, the naked clothed, and 
the sin-sick healed. 

It is here we read of God and know his will, hear of 
heaven and learn the way. 

It is here that men are raised midway to heaven, and 
heavenly things brought down midway to earth. 

It is here men of spiritual nature and kindred frame 

commune, and God from between the cherubim doth shine. 

It is here that principles are learned, habits formed, 

hopes imparted, desires elicited, the heart enriched, and 

God glorified. 

I will hasten to its services with eagerness, and enter 
on them with delight, and reflect with joy and hope. 

The meanest seat is higher than an earthly throne, and 
the lowest seat only less dignified than the stations of the 
beatified in heaven. 

How precious are thy stones, how dear even thy 
dust, how beloved thy worshippers, how ennobled thy 
attendants ! 

If my soul forget thee, then let my right hand forget 
its cunning. " Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity 
within thy palaces ; for my brethren and companions' 
sake, I will now say, peace be within thee." 



98 



ON PRAISE. 



Praise is the grateful homage of the soul to God. 
The rich o'erflowings of the thankful heart, the joyful 
soul, and the adoring spirit. 

An exercise the highest which the loftiest intelligences 
are fitted to present. In this the seraphim and cherubim 
with all the blest beatified engage. 

Their holy songs reverberate through all the courts of 
heaven; sublimely grand, they sound as the voice of 
many waters. 

Not a spirit there, but whose emotions are kindled up 
with ecstacy and rapture. Not a silent tongue ; but all 
in sweetest melody, in loudest strains, and with har- 
monious songs, extol the God of heaven and earth. 

Praise adores, exults, and lauds, and blesses. How 
infinite the object of all praise — Jehovah. His essence, 
attributes, and works. His holy government, his rich 
bounty, his redeeming mercy, his saving grace, his glori- 
fying love. 

What mind can comprehend his worth, set forth his 
glories, or his countless benefits declare. 

Praise is the homage which even nature doth present 
through all her works to Him her wise and great 
Artificer. 

The mountain top, the verdant valley, the fertile prairie, 
the flowing stream, the roaring cataract, and the foaming 
billows of the mighty deep, the trees of Lebanon, the 



on praise. yy 

lowly hyssop, the tender herb, the yellow corn, and the 
fruitful vine. 

The dancing sunbeam, the light of noon, and night's 
sable darkness. The glorious sun, the silvery moon, the 
glittering stars, and the wide-stretched firmament. 

All creatures animate, though void of reason and 
intelligence, express their joys and pleasures to him who 
made them. 

The birds and fowl of heaven, the fish that cleave the 
waters, the warlike horse, the clean and wholesome kine, 
the gentle sheep, with all the insects of the air, and 
worms, and creeping things, and beasts that roam the 
forest — all, all their tribute pay, instinctive praise. 

A thankless man is isolated from all in heaven, and all 
that's good on earth. 

A thankless man communeth only with the vile around 
him, and the lost in hell. 

A thankless man, the callous rugged rock reproaches ; 
and all nature, with one harmonious verdict doth con- 
demn. 

But praise to be accepted from reason-lit intelligences, 
must be the ray of mental elevation, the warm emotion, 
the free-will offering of the grateful soul. Ethereal, 
spiritual, divine, spontaneous, rich, and ever flowing 
on towards the objects of its blest ascriptions. 

Accepted praise must have the attributes of purity, 
obedience, love. In man, it must be kindled by a 
heavenly ray of holy light, and dying love, and sanctify- 
ing grace. A flame from him, the centre and the source 
of all celestial good. 

Praise then thy God ! and rise in bright conformity 



100 ON PRAISE. 

and likeness to him. Praise then thy God ! and share 
with heaven's bright hosts the enrapturing luxury. 

Praise then thy God! and know the blessedness of 
heaven formed joy. 

Praise Him by morning light and evening shades. 
Praise Him in bright meridian day and darkest night. 
Praise Him in thy closet, around the family altar, and in 
the sanctuary. 

Praise Him with all thy ransomed powers. Praise 
him in loudest strains and sweetest melody. 

Praise Him for life and being, for health and intellect, 
for food and raiment, for social mercies and privileges 
divine. 

Extol his name for pitying man's self-ruined state, 
especially for sending forth his Son to suffer and redeem 
our worthless guilty race. 

Praise him for his gospel, his ordinances, his sabbaths, 
and the holy gift of his blessed Spirit. 

Praise him for his promises, his daily grace, his special 
covenanted gifts. 

Praise him for the hope of heaven, and radiant gleams 
of an immortality of perfect joy. 

Praise him child of sorrow, sufferer on the bed of 
pain ; dying Christian, thy transit take mid songs of holy 
praise. 

Praise him for evermore, for thy God ever reigneth. 



101 



PREACHERS AND PREACHING. 

The preacher is the steward of God, the messenger of 
mercy, and the servant of the church. 

His commission is from heaven, his calling from on 
high, his qualifications divine. 

The scriptures, his armoury ; righteousness, his 
vesture ; truth, his girdle ; salvation, his helmet ; and 
faith, his shield. 

His message, mercy ; his theme, Jesus ; his glorying, 
the cross ; his aim, human salvation. 

With a heart of benevolence, bowels of compassion, 
and a conscience of fidelity. 

With a clear perception, a discerning judgment, a 
magnanimous spirit, and an enduring perseverance. 

Favoured with the eagle's eye, the lion's courage, and 
the oxen's strength, humanity's tenderness, and a seraph's 
love. 

Faithful to his soul, zealous for God, and compas- 
sionate to men. 

Heavenly in his aspirations, disinterested in his 
motives, generous in his emotions, and devotional in his 
spirit. 

A lover of good men, a hater of iniquity. 

Not greedy of lucre, not thirsting for power, not eager 
for fame, not given to wine. 

Self-denying in life, unwearied in toil, uncompromising 
in principle, and instant in season and out. 

The guardian of youth, the counsellor of the perplexed, 



102 PREACHERS AND PREACHING. 

the consoler of sorrow, the visitor of the afflicted, the 
advocate of the widow, the friend of all, the enemy of 
none. 

Holding forth the word of light, breaking the bread of 
life, dispensing the healing virtues of the cross, and pro- 
claiming to the wretched, the acceptable year of the 
Lord. 

His subjects from heaven, in their source ; of heaven, 
in their revelations ; and to heaven, in their tendency. 

His style clear, his thoughts well ordered, his enun- 
ciation distinct, his manner earnest, and his language 
plain. 

Not inflated, pompous, pedantic ; not a jester, a mimic, 
a buffoon. 

Not exhibiting self, but Christ 5 Christ always, and 
Christ all in all. 

Not the minister of mystery, but revelation; not a 
perplexer, but solver of doubts ; not a herald of despair, 
but of hope j not clad in the habiliments of sorrow, but 

of joy- 
Enlightening the ignorant, cheering the penitential, 

comforting the distressed, reproving the wayward, admo- 
nishing the thoughtless, warning the reckless, and 
threatening the obdurate. 

Preaching repentance, faith, and salvation. Preach- 
ing mercy, truth, and holiness. 

Preaching justice, benevolence, and pity. 

Preaching death, resurrection, judgment, and eternity. 

Preaching supreme homage and love to God, self- 
government and self-denial, worldly non-conformity, and 
kindness and good will to men. 



PREACHERS AND PREACHING. 103 

Preaching the law and the gospel, grace and truth, 
the prophets and the evangelists ; but preaching Christ 
as the end of all, the sum of all, and the glory of all. 

Preaching down sin, and preaching up purity. 

Preaching down self, and preaching up grace. 

Preaching down error, and preaching up truth. 

Preaching hope to the self- condemned, abasement 
to the proud, spirituality to the formal, and a heaven 
of rest and blessedness to the renewed pilgrims and 
sojourners of earth. 

Preacher of righteousness ! how high thine office, 
how sublime thy calling, how arduous thy work, how 
onerous thy charge ; but if faithful, how transcendently 
glorious thy reward ! For as heaven's resplendent orbs, 
or the brightness of the milky way, shalt thou shine for 
ever and ever. 



104 



HEARERS AND HEARING. 

Hearer of the gospel, how great thy privilege ; 
" blessed are thine eyes that they see, and thine ears that 
they hear." 

By hearing, thou may est be wise, even unto salvation. 
By hearing, thou mayest be enriched, even with the un- 
searchable riches of grace. By hearing, thou mayest 
be exalted, even to sit in heavenly places with Christ 
Jesus. 

But forget not, by hearing thou mayest be accursed ; 
for to the unbelieving, a preached gospel is the savour of 
death unto death. 

Then if thou wouldest be blessed by hearing, prepare 
for it by silent meditation, self-examination, and fervent 
prayer. 

Seek the opening of thine ear, that thou mayest in 
truth hearken ; the enlightening of thine understanding 
that thou mayest comprehend ; and the disposing of thy 
affections, that the word spoken, may be welcomed with 

If thou wouldest be blest by hearing, contemplate the 
importance of what thou hearest, whose message it is, 
and what its import and design. 

Remember too its personal application to thyself, and 
hearken not for others. Stir up thy soul to be active and 
attentive. Put from thee mental sloth, and stupid 
lethargy. Put from thee worldly objects, and earthly 
cares, and dissipated, and distracting thoughts. Put from 



HEARERS AND HEARING. 105 

vain conceits, and self-complacency. Put from thee, 
high imaginings, and proud assumptions. 

Forget not, humility of mind, meekness of soul, and 
simplicity of spirit, are indispensable to him who would 
be blest by hearing. 

Hearken with reverence, for God addresses thee. 
Hearken with solemnity, for the subject pertaineth to the 
weightiest concerns of death, and judgment, and eternity. 
Hearken with hope, for the message is fraught with 
mercy. Hearken with affianced confidence, for every 
word of God is true and pure. Yet hear not with weak 
credulity, for the stream flows to thee through a frail and 
earthly medium. Thy teacher is a legate of the skies ; 
his mission reverence, and with awe attend : but he is 
also thy brother, a man of like passions with thyself; 
therefore with candour weigh : a welcome bidding give 
to truth, but error refuse even from an angel's lips. 

While hearing, let thine ejaculatory wishes up to heaven 
ascend, that God may seal instruction on thine heart. 

Is hearing over, return with quiet footsteps, with 
seriousness of soul, and watch the seed, lest Satan's 
emissaries should rob thee of thy treasure. Well stored 
within thee, may it vegetate, bud, and bring forth to 
thine own benefit and God's glory, thirty, or sixty, or a 
hundred fold. 

Hearing is feeding on the heaven-sent manna, but medi- 
tation doth digest it, and faith extracteth its nutrition, 
and thus its strength and blessedness are all thine own. 

How many hear, and lose the end of hearing. The 
giddy, frivolous, and unreflecting — the captious trifler 
- — the fastidious hyper-critic — the man who hears to try 



106 HEARERS AND HEARING. 

his skill at finding fault — the man who hears for all ex- 
cept himself. The man who hears with enmity, and 
sceptically throws back the truth. The man who hears 
and soon forgets, or whose worldly mind is full of thorns 
and weeds, and thus the seed is choked. The man who 
lacks the power of constancy, and soon has lost the in- 
fluence the truth exerted on him. The man who hears, 
but doeth not the things commanded. 

Against all such hearing, set a double watch 3 for 
hearing is a thing to be accounted for; a privilege of 
highest value ; and if abused, perverted, better had it 
been, that on some pagan strand thou first hadst drawn 
thy breath; or that a mill-stone fastened round thy 
infant neck, into the ocean's depth thou hadst been flung. 

Then Christian worshipper, thou who treadest in the 
courts of Zion ; hear, and believe ; hear, and obey ; hear, 
and thy soul shall ever live. 



107 



THE CROSS OF CHRIST. 

I mean not the transverse pieces of wood on which the 
Saviour hung, much less the crucifix of stone, or brass, 
or gold, or silver, that the superstitious use as the quick- 
ener of their devotion. 

I mean the sacrifice of Calvary, that which formed the 
efficacious offering for man's redemption. I mean that 
which is the essence of dying love and atoning virtue. I 
mean that great mysterious oblation, the price of our sal- 
vation ) that which is the grand theme of gospel annunci- 
ation, the object of the apostles' glorying, and the only 
hope of our fallen world. 

Mysterious theme ! Too deep for the fathoming of-^ 
angelic minds. 

The one main subject of revelation ; for to this did 
Abel's offering, the paschal lamb, and the multifarious 
rites and sacrifices of ancient dispensations, point. 

The one great topic of ancient seers, for to this all 
prophets witnessed, — the Saviour's sufferings, and the 
resplendent glory that should follow. 

All the mystical events pertaining to the Saviour's life 
referred to this. For this he clothed himself with our 
humanity. For this he lived a life of sorrow in our world. 
To this he hastened, impelled by strong desire, to bruise 
the head of Satan and free mankind from his accursed 
dominion. 

His ears the sentence heard without alarm, his eyes be- 
f 2 



108 



THE CROSS. 



held the wood, and freely did he bear it towards Cal- 
vary's summit. 

He allowed his hands of true beneficence, his feet of 
journeying mercy, to be transfixed. He lingered on it 
mid shame, and ignominy, and anguish, past all utter- 
ance. At length he bowed his sacred head, and mid the 
startling phenomena of rended rocks, and sable noon, he 
yielded up the ghost. 

How marvellous that innocence unsullied, and spotless 
purity, and the mortal part of enshrined Deity should 
thus expire ! 

But hearken, and the prophets will the apparent 
enigma resolve. All we like wandering sheep had gone 
astray, each had forsaken truth, and holiness, and God ; 
each had become exposed to righteous judgment and 
eternal death. 

But Jesus undertook our rescue ; he gave himself to 
suffer in our stead, and by his dying blood, to bring us 
back to happiness and God. 

Our chastisement he bore ; our ponderous weight of 
guilt was laid on him, and he did bear it, as our surety on 
the cross. 

Thus from his humiliation, honours take their rise. 
His wounds yield balmy virtues. His groans bring 
songs of melody and joy to men. His ignominy and 
agony, heavenly immunities and bliss. His death throws 
open wide, the gates of immortality and endless life. 

Well — well may mortals glory in the cross ! without it 
we had sunk beneath the accumulated weight of guilt 
and wrath, lower and lower in the lake that burns with 
fire for ever. 



THE CROSS. 109 

Besides the cross, the triumph gained over hellish 
powers. It threw the rays of hope around our world, 
and shot its morning beams of glory through the sombre 
tomb. 

The influence of the cross, who shall declare it ! How 
marvellously it told on Jewish hearts, within Jerusalem's 
gates. There, with the memory of Calvary's tragic 
scenes still fresh and vivid, did it bow, to penitential 
sorrow, five thousand spirits. 

And from Jerusalem, it spread its saving virtues far 
and wide. 

Its theme amazed the wise philosophers, the ancient 
poets and legislators. 

Its trophies numerous and mighty, were gathered 
from all climes, and lands, and tongues. 

Barbarians it made tender, wise, and holy. The 
sensual, chaste ; the ambitious, humble ; the avaricious, 
generous ; the polluted, clean. 

Established rites of mad idolatry, and schemes of vain 
philosophy, it rooted up ; and scattered far and wide, 
the gracious principles of love and mercy. 

As a tree of life, its leaves gave forth healing to all 
nations. 

As a stream of pure benignity and grace, it flowed 
through desert lands, and made the wilderness to blossom 
as the rose. 

As the standard of the host of God's elect, it spread 
its victories throughout the world. As the basis of the 
hope of man, it became the rock of joy and exaltation 
to untold myriads. And as the moral magnet of 
heavenly dignity, it shall attract and gather into one, all 



110 ON FAITH. 

tribes of human beings, and raise them to the bliss and 
glory of the heavenly state. 

O mighty cross ! thy power shall bow the universe to 
God's authority and will. 

O gracious cross ! thy sweet and saving influence shall 
mould again the hearts of hosts unnumbered, into purity 
and love. 

O victorious cross ! through every clime and every 
land with conquering majesty, shalt thou go forth ; and 
thy triumph so bloodless, pure, and blessed, shall be sung 
in rapturous strains by all the ransomed hosts that crowd 
the upper temple of the skies. 



ON FAITH. 



Faith is the credence of testimony, and the faith of 
the gospel is the belief of the revelation, which God has 
given of his love to man in the gift of the Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

Hence all the writings of the holy scriptures are pro- 
perly the subject-matter of faith, for they are all con- 
nected with the divine dispensation of mercy to our 
world. 

Faith then involves the admission of the authenticity 
and divinity of the bible, and is thus directly opposed to 
disbelief, which sceptically rejects it as a human inven- 
tion, or cunningly devised fable. 



ON FAITH. Ill 

Faith too, is thus strikingly contrasted with unbelief, 
which rejects on the ground of insufficient evidence or 
carnal antipathy, the message and overture of salvation. 

Faith then is based on knowledge, and rests on well 
sustained testimony. Faith involves the exercise of the 
contemplative and reflective powers. It has to do with 
the judgment, will, and affections. For we first hear or 
read, then judge and weigh, then assent and will it so, 
and afterwards, love and delight in truth accepted. God 
demands the faith of men in his own word, and surely " if 
we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is 
greater." 

Faith thus brings us near to God, into acquiescence 
with his will, and confidence in his word. Faith trusts 
God, honours God, and rejoices in God. 

Faith is styled precious, it is the holiest and highest 
exercise of the human powers. 

It accepts the most precious of all tidings, God's 
mercy to our species ; it hails with grateful joy the Son 
of God, the prince of life, and Saviour of our world. 

It builds on him as the rock of hope, and looks to him 
for everlasting life. It makes the precious promises of 
heaven its own. By precious blood divine, it gains a 
title and a meetness for all the precious and unending 
glories of the skies. 

Faith is the Christian's shield, and saves from the darts 
and arrows of the enemy. Faith is the Christian's tele- 
scope, and brings near the things of light and immortality. 

Faith is the pilgrim's staff, and thus reclining, he 
travels on from strength to strength, until he reaches Zion. 

Faith gives potency to prayer, and strength for labour ; 



112 



ON FAITH. 



endurance for suffering, and courage for the conflict. 
Faith renders praise acceptable through the Saviour's 
merits. 

Faith sanctifies the baptismal waters, extracts nutrition 
from the preached word, and feeds at Christ's own table, 
on the living bread from heaven. 

Faith dareth foes, despiseth perils, laughs at apparent 
impossibilities, and rejoiceth, that with God all things 
that ought to be, are possible. 

Faith rode in triumph on the flood of waters. 

Faith caused the holy Abraham, far from his fathers' 
home, to travel and sojourn. 

Faith it was that nerved him for the mysterious sacri- 
fice and immolation of his Son and heir. 

The patriarchs by faith, on earthly good looked down 
with stern contempt, and fixed their hopes on better 
things in heavenly lands. 

Faith preserved the Hebrew infant from destruction, 
and left him floating in the bulrush ark upon the waters. 

Faith triumphed in the overthrow of Pharaoh, and 
in Israel's emancipation. By faith, the ocean's channel 
was left dry, and the flinty rocks the rich supply of crystal 
water yielded. Faith put to flight the armies of the 
aliens ; and razed to their base the walls of Jericho. 

Faith shone with lustre in the lives of priests and 
judges, prophets and holy men of old. It dared the 
proud and God-defying giant of the Philistines host. 

It passed unsinged, through furnaces of sevenfold 
heated flame. It closed the hungry jaws of lions. 
Routed conspiring armies, and filled the ancient world 
with glorious marvels. 



ON FAITH. 113 

And who shall scan its history through gospel times ? 

It stayed the Saviour in his course of mercy, extracted 
virtue from his garments, brought healing to the sick, 
and cleanness to the leper. It cast out devils, controlled 
the elements, and raised the dead. 

How illustriously it triumphed in the early ages. 
Transformed myriads into martyrs, and from martyrs 
into angels. Despite the rack, the faggot, the block, and 
the cruel lingering cross ; it multiplied the Saviour's 
friends in every land and clime. Our sainted fathers felt 
its power, and triumphed over error by its heaven-born 
influence. 

But reader, dost thou believe on the Son of God ? 

Has it raised thee from the mire and clay, rescued thee 
as the brand from burning flame, given thee the name 
and nature of the children of heaven ? 

Is thy life a life of faith, thy obedience the work of 
faith, thy delight the joy of faith ? 

Examine well thyself, and see thy faith is genuine, 
pure, and sanctifying. And cherish well this grace with 
holy air, and sound discipline, and mercy's labour, and 
with the food which none but God bestows, or saints 
enjoy. 

Believing live, and glorify thy Saviour ; believing die, 
and see his face, and sing his praises through eternity. 



114 



MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES. 

Jesus the Son of the Most High was the founder of 
Christian missions, and the first and the leader of the 
missionary band. 

He came from heaven to earth to execute it, and to re- 
veal to dark and ruined man the way of immortality and 
life. 

He traversed the cities and villages of Judea, as the 
missionary bearing on his lips the tidings of salvation. 

And how devoted, earnest, self-denying, zealous, and 
assiduous was he in his missionary toils. 

How faithful to his God, how tender and com- 
passionate to souls, and how, in his spotless life did all 
his principles and doctrines shine forth with radiant 
loveliness. 

Thus he instituted too the missionary cause, gave the 
great commission to evangelize by gospel preaching all 
the world, and speak his saving grace to every creature. 

And with the mandate given, he clad his followers 
with the holy vestments of peace and love, bestowed his 
blessed Spirit in all his gifts and power, and prepared by 
his providence the effectual open door for publishing to 
man eternal life. 

And with what ardent love, and holy zeal, and true 
simplicity, did the early host of apostles, disciples, and 
evangelists, go forth preaching the saving doctrines of 
the cross. 






MI>SIO>"S AND MISSIONARIES. 115 

Through. Judah's land, among Samaritans, and to 
Gentile cities, did they gladly bear the happy sound of 
reconciling niercv. 

How piously they lived, and toiled, and trials bore ; 
how they were scorned, and hated, and reviled, and 
co urged. 

How everywhere awaited them, imprisonments and 
bonds, so that daily were their- lives exposed for Jesu's 
sake. 

And how with wondrous power and swiftness did the 
truth o-o forth from land to land, from tonoiie to tongue, 
until these islands of the Northern Seas, accounted then 
in truth a barbarous land, received the, fertilizing streams 
of hope and joy. 

But modern missionaries have to go forth as those of 
ancient times. 

Their call of God, and from him too their every 
qualification for the work. 

With the same gospel Paul preached at Athens, 
Corinth, Antioch. 

With the same unchanging promises to cheer, and 
grace to aid, and Spirit to succeed the toil, and bless the 
word proclaimed. 

They too have all the toils and perils of the early 
preachers of the cross to bear. 

Far from their native dwellings, mid people of strange 
tongues, and stranger rites of cruel paganism, have they 
to bear the glorious gospel of the blessed God. 

In climes of dire contagion, of fell diseases, and of 
early tombs, do they expose their lives from love to God, 
and truth, and men. 



116 MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES. 

How noble and illustrious is the hallowed band, the 
sacred host of holy men who thus have laboured in this 
work of charity and faith. 

Among the rude, uncivilized American Indian tribes, 
behold the simple-hearted Eliot, and holy, fervent 
Brainerd ; see too the self-denying Egede, introducing 
Christianity among Greenland's snowy mountains. 

Among the enslaved and tortured sons of Africa in the 
West Indian Isles, behold the indefatigable Coke fol- 
lowed by Smith and Knibb, and a numerous train of 
faithful servants of the Saviour. 

Among the islands of the Southern Seas, the first la- 
bourers of the London Missionary cause, mid scenes of 
almost hopelessness, prayed and laboured, until at length 
the copious showers of mercy fell, and turned that san- 
guinary region into a scene of peace and joy. 

And there the sainted martyr Williams died, while 
plying earnestly his work of love. 

On India's wide extended and densely populated con- 
tinent, how many faithful men have lifted up the saving 
ensign of the cross. 

Thomas, Ward, Carey, Heber, Bampton, with many 
more, have in India's soil a sepulchre, lit up with hope 
of standing with a numerous spiritual progeny before the 
final bar of God with joy. 

In Afric's dreary desert, and regions fraught with 
death, have Schmidt, Vanderkemp, Kaye, and Moffat, 
and Shaw, and Phillip, late and early, sown the seed of 
gospel truth. 

And then in China, Morrison, and Milne ; in Burmah, 
Judson ; in Persia, Martyn ; and in looking over the 



MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES. 117 

missionary sphere, a glorious galaxy of honoured names, 
and great illustrious men, whose record is on high, and 
whose reward shall be eternal bliss beyond the skies. 

The missionary cause has loud and solemn claims on 
British hearts, and Christian sympathy. 

For has not British influence been the bane of every 
port her ships have entered ? 

Have not disease, and crime, and war been introduced, 
until whole tribes of men have lingered out of being ? 

Did not British wealth and power for many gloomy 
years, support with enterprise and zeal, worthy of a better 
cause, the infernal traffic in our fellow men ? 

Then now, when moved to holy action, let deeds of 
horror past and gone, our zeal and liberality excite, and 
may it be our earnest aim to bear to every land, and 
tribe, and tongue, the welcome news of grace and end- 
less life. 

The spirit of the Christian should be eminently mis- 
sionary, for Jesus' love constrains the heart to feel for all 
our helpless race, and by all the means that God hath 
given, to hasten on the day when Christ shall reign as 
universal Prince of Peace, and all the world be blessed 
in him. 

Then let the missionary fire burn with incessant 
ardour on the altar of thy soul, and rear thy offspring in 
the spirit of earnest sympathy with those who preach the 
word of life in distant climes, and train them in the art of 
giving of their substance however small, and pleading 
with their youthful zeal, and praying in their hearts that 
God would bless and raise our world from pagan woes, 
and from horrid rites of dark idolatry. 



118 ON HOPE. 

Father of mercies, hallowed be thy name by all the in- 
tellectual workmanship of thine own hand ! 

May thy kingdom come, and thy will on earth be done, 
by all the human race, as it is done by angel hosts, and 
spirits perfected, who ever stand before thy throne in 
heaven. 



ON HOPE. 

Hope is the expectation of future attainable good. 

Like faith it has to do with certainty, but more espe- 
cially it is exercised on the excellency of what it desires 
and seeks. 

Desires may go forth in reference to things or enjoy- 
ments which are beyond the bounds of the possible, but 
hope must have firm footing whereon to stand — a solid 
rock to rest upon. 

Hope ever doth regard the future ; there may be the 
joyous retrospect of what is gone, and much delight in 
present good, but hope looks onward for bliss in prospect. 
Hope is the buoyant principle of life, the spring of 
action, the mind's resource in disappointment. 

Despondency suspends our energies, paralyzes mind 
and limb, magnifies the mole-hill to a mountain. 

Hope inspires the toiling student as he climbs the steep 
ascent of learning. 

Hope spurs the man of science in his mental ranges of 
discovery. 



ON HOPE. 119 

Hope gives elastic patient power to the casuist, who 
traces subtle reasonings to their source, and effects to 
their originating causes. 

Hope travels with the soldier to the battle field, and 
fills his brain with thoughts of safety and of triumph. 

Hope is the true companion of the seaman, who dares 
to encounter tempests and hurricanes, and all the fearful 
perils of the deep. 

Hope is the presiding spirit of the merchant, who ven- 
tures wealth mid all the contingencies of speculation. 

Hope takes the golden grain and scatters it as seed of 
future harvests. 

Hope cheers the captive in his exile, the prisoner in 
his gloomy cell, and bears the sufferer up midst seasons 
of sickness and on beds of pain. 

Hope is the Christian's staff on which he leans and 
rests with holy confidence. 

Hope is his anchor by which his bark in safety rides 
midst heaving seas and threatening storms. 

Hope is the good man's solace mid adversity, his 
cordial in the hour of need and trial. 

Hope is the privilege of saints, 'tis theirs to hope in 
life, to hope in death, and to enjoy for ever. 

Hope is a grace of highest worth ; for heavy would 
become the lightest heart, and gloomy the most joyous 
mind, and dreary the most happy spirit, were this celes- 
tial flower to wither and decay. 

Hope is a gift and blessing which the world's muta- 
tions cannot shake or e'er destroy. 

An evergreen of beauty. A constant flowing stream 
of consolation. An ever shining sun. A living, glow- 



120 ON HOPE. 

ing principle within. The atmosphere of holy being, and 
peace and blessedness. 

A treasure thieves can't steal, or moth or rust 
destroy. 

Hope hath power to pierce the distant future, to 
banish clouds, to grapple with man's mortal enemy, to 
fling wide open the graves' black doors, to hear by sweet 
anticipation the last trumpet's blast, to see the rising 
dead, the Judge descend, to hear the records of the 
world proclaimed, to mingle with the happy and the 
blest, to share the joys and glories of the New Jerusa- 
lem, and thus anticipateth a blest eternity with all the 
ransomed followers of the Lamb. 

Christian, with this hope thy state may well excite the 
envy of the world around thee. 

With this hope the fallen legions fraught with rage and 
malice will siege in vain thy citadel of joy. 

With this hope, well may holy angels wonder where 
the goodness of thy God will end, and what shall bound 
thy dignity and rapture beyond the skies. 



121 



ON RELIGIOUS ZEAL. 

Christian zeal is an impassioned ardour in the service 
of God, and in the cause of religion. It is the opposite 
of apathy, listlessness, sloth, and indifference. 

Zeal will in some measure depend on the natural state 
of the faculties and passions of the mind ; some are con- 
stitutionally cold and lymphatic, while others are equally 
fervid and impetuous. 

Religion of all things is most worthy of a high and 
ardent devotedness. 

It involves all that is great, sublime, and glorious — all 
that is excellent, lovely, and felicitous — all that is purify- 
ing, exalted, and blessed. 

It has reference to the soul, God, and eternity ; its 
concerns therefore are paramount to all others, and are 
worthy of the most intense affection and earnest pursuit. 
Coldness here is a reproach, a libel on divine things, 
and a blight to the graces and virtues of the soul. 

Men are lauded, if zealous, in trade and commerce, in 
the acquisition of knowledge, especially in the exhibition 
of enlightened and patriotic principles and practice ; 
how much more then is it our true excellency to be 
zealous in the cause of righteousness and religion. 

But Christian zeal is very different to that of the 
fanatic, which is all noise and excitement; or of the 
superstitious, who are mainly impelled by fear ; it is an 
intellectual principle, the result of divine knowledge, and 
the immediate production of the love of God in the soul. 



122 ON RELIGIOUS ZEAL. 

It is not like that of the ancient pharisees, which seeks 
emblazonment and courts popularity, but it is more 
humble and unassuming, and like charity, never behaveth 
itself unseemly. 

Neither is Christian zeal merely the heat of occasional 
excitement, or the feverishness of disease ; but like the 
genial heat of the sun, it is regular and constant ; or like 
the natural heat of the body, the indication of spiritual 
life and health in the soul. 

Moreover, Christian zeal is generous in its spirit, and 
candid in its conclusions. It is not the fire of anger 
towards those who differ from us in sentiment, and which 
venteth itself in anathemas of wrath ; but it is the fire of 
love, which heaped on the heads of its enemies, melts 
down the enmity opposed to it. 

It proclaimeth peace and good- will to man : rejoiceth 
not in iniquity but in the truth, pities where it might 
blame, and compassionates where it cannot relieve. 

Devils burn with the zeal of sin, and infidels with the 
zeal of unbelief, and despots with the zeal of tyranny, 
and bigots with the zeal of exclusiveness, and fanatics 
with the zeal of ignorance, and the superstitious with the 
zeal which terror inspireth, but the Christian burns with 
the zeal of love, and purity, and truth. 

Zeal is much more than a sentiment ; it is an embody- 
ment of principle in action, the fire of goodness at 
work. 

Zeal is easily professed, but the reality of its existence 
must be proven by the fruits it produceth. 

Christian zeal will devise and execute, purpose and 
perform, vow and pay its vows. 



ON RELIGIOUS ZEAL. 123 

It ariseth early, labours earnestly, and prosecutes with 
perseverance. 

It is indispensable in difficulties and dangers, and is 
commendable in every really good pursuit. 

Yet it should be especially devoted to the higher ranges 
of Christian practice, in glorifying God, pressing after 
holiness, and labouring to benefit the souls of our fellow 
men. 

A minister without it, is an anomaly in the church, 
and can be of little use to the world. 

It is the distinguishing feature of angels, who are 
flames of fire. It was the flame which burned in the 
heart of Jesus, that consumed him on the altar of sacri- 
fice; and it is one of the high characteristics of Jehovah. 

It should therefore dwell in every Christian bosom, 
and animate the whole church of the Redeemer. 

Without it duty will be burdensome, trials overwhelm- 
ing, difficulties insurmountable, and devotion a task; 
with it, labour will be sweet, afflictions light, and re- 
ligious services the joy and delight of the mind. 

When we contemplate the shortness of life, the uncer- 
tainty of earthly things, the immense work which Chris- 
tianity has still to effect, and the tremendous mountains 
of difficulty and opposition to be removed ; the convic- 
tion must then be inevitable, that zeal is necessary to the 
diffusion of divine knowledge, and the hastening of the 
Redeemer's kingdom and glory. 

A benighted church cannot illume a world in dark- 
ness ; nor an apathetic church rouse a slumbering world 
to due attention to the supreme importance and eternal 
value of the blessings of the gospel. 



124 



ON CONTENTMENT. 

Contentment is satisfaction of mind arising from 
acquiescence in the providential arrangements of God. 
It is not Stoicism, or a professed indifference to enjoyment 
or pain, bliss or sorrow, adversity or prosperity. 

It is not want of capacity for relishing the luxuries of 
life, but a satisfaction with our portion or lot, as chosen 
by God. Therefore Christian contentment is preceded 
by a scriptural knowledge of God, in his wise and bene- 
volent character as the moral governor of the universe, 
and is identified with delight in his administrations. 

Many weighty reasons should lead to contentment, 
under the adversities of life : there are reasons connected 
with ourselves ; that man has little indeed, who has not 
more than he deserves. A man whose life is continued 
as an act of grace, should not cavil at the fare which is 
provided for him. The desert of sin is death, even death 
everlasting ; and it is entirely of the Lord's mercies that 
we are not consumed. 

Besides, have we not had numberless benefits, rich 
and varied enjoyments ? our sorrows and troubles have 
been the exception and not the rule. More, have we 
been grateful for the blessings bestowed, or have they not 
often been perverted and abused ? if so, of all things, 
discontent is highly improper and sinful. 

There are reasons also connected with our fellow- men. 
How many around us, more worthy, are in circum- 
stances of greater adversity and sorrow ? Visit the house 



ON CONTENTMENT. 125 

of bereavement, the chamber of suffering, the bed of 
anguish. See how many appear to have been born for 
trouble, and been nurtured for sorrow, and are emphati- 
cally the victims of suffering. 

Then with our homely cot, and our plain attire, and 
our daily bread, let us learn therewith to be content. 

But there are reasons connected with God ; he is all- 
wise, and therefore cannot err ; he is almighty, and 
therefore can do all that pleases him ; he is all goodness, 
therefore he cannot be unkind. He is true and faithful, 
and will not cause the sons of men to trust in him in 



" Then who so wise to choose our lot, 
Or regulate our ways !" 

Then forget not, child of probation, he contemplates 
our real good, and our eternal interests. He consults our 
permanent profit, our moral improvement, and our ever- 
lasting felicity. By the exercise of his will, he could 
raise us in society, make us affluent, and exempt us from 
troubles'; and the fact that he does not so, arises from the 
intensity of his love to us, and from his infallible 
arrangements for our final blessedness. 

But there are reasons connected with the Saviour. Of 
what are we tempted to complain ? Poverty ? He had 
not where to lay his head. Of suffering ? He was 
made perfect through suffering. Of persecutions ? He 
was hated even unto death. 

There was no adversity or sorrow like unto his sorrow. 
And if the captain was thus treated, shall the soldier 
murmur ? If the king thus endured, shall the subject be 



126 



ON CONTENTMENT. 



discontented ? If the enshrined Creator thus drank the 
cup of deepest anguish, shall the worm of the earth 
refuse submission ? 

But there are reasons connected with time. Be con- 
tent, for thy troubles are rapidly passing away. Be con- 
tent as a sojourner, that continuest not for a day precisely 
in thy former condition. Be content, for this is the time 
of thy trial, the night of thy trouble ; but the night is 
expiring, and the day cometh. The clouds that harassed 
thee are breaking, and the darkness is passing away. 
Be content, for all thy trials are but for a moment ; and 
those that have so keenly distressed thee, thou shalt see no 
more for ever. Be content, for thy Lord cometh, to re- 
ward every man as his works shall be. Be content, for 
the heavens are radiant with light, and hope of future 
blessedness. If thou sufferest with Christ, thou shalt 
also reign with him. Be content, for one moment in 
bliss will more than satisfy for all thy tears ; then what 
joy will an eternal weight of glory confer on thee. 

Besides, discontented, canst thou alter the plans of Je- 
hovah, the arrangements of heaven ? Wilt thou add the 
gall and wormwood of disquietude to thy sorrow, and 
the gnawing worm of guilt to thy restlessness, and the 
displeasure of thy God to the inventory of thy distresses ? 

Man, adore thy God ; pry not into the mysteries of his 
unrevealed purposes ; dispute not his infallibility ; and 
rely on it, that the light of eternity will show thee, that 
thy lot has been one of unmixed kindness and tender 
mercies ; and that God has done infinitely better for thee 
than leaving the affairs of thy probation in thine own 
hands. 



127 



ON HUMILITY. 

Humility is the opposite state of mind to pride and 
arrogance, and consisteth especially in entertaining mo- 
dest views of our state and character. 

It is one of the characteristics of godliness, very largely 
insisted upon in the word of God, and one of the essen- 
tials of acceptable piety. 

It is probable that sin took its rise in proud aspira- 
tions and imaginings, and it is manifest that pride was 
one of the main elements in the transgression of the first 
human pair. 

Genuine humility will be evinced both towards God 
and men ; for it cannot be that one of real lowly spirit 
towards the Most High, will be proud or arrogant 
towards his fellow-man. 

An overweening estimate of ourselves must arise 
from a darkened understanding or perverted judgment ; 
for the evidences of our worthlessness are so numerous, 
that a very slight acquaintance with our own character 
would lead to an abhorrence of self-estimation in all its 
forms and features. 

Shouldst thou not be humble whose corporeal origin 
is the dust, and whose destiny is a companionship with 
worms and ashes ? 

Shouldst thou not belmmble who art dependent on 
God for every blessing, and who hast not within thine 
own resources the means of one moment's comfort or 
existence ? 



128 ON HUMILITY. 

Shouldst thou not be humble whose nature is fallen 
and polluted, and whose tenure of probation is suspended 
on the exercise of mercy and forbearance ? 

Shouldst thou not be humble whose deserts would 
overwhelm thee with dismay, and misery, and despair ? 

Surely a child of vanity and an heir of wrath should 
be clad in the vestments of self-loathing and abasement. 

The imperfections of the most elevated Christian ought 
ever to be as the ballast of humility to his soul ; for in 
many things we all offend. 

Humility is indispensable to the right discharge of the 
duties and services of the Christian life. 

Reading the scriptures, or hearing the word preached, 
cannot profit unless the exercises be connected with a 
meek and humble spirit. 

The presentation of praise or the offering of prayer, 
will only be accepted as they are characterized by 
humility. 

The communication of our gifts to the poor, or the 
cause of Christ, or the employment of our talents, God 
will deign only to approve of, as identified with a humble 
and lowly mind. 

To walk humbly with our God is as essential to what 
the Lord requireth, as doing justly, or loving the exercise 
of mercy. 

Humility is the highway to real honour and true 
exaltation. 

Humility is the garb in which seraphim and cherubim 
are clad, how much more suitable then to sinful and 
dying worms of the earth. 

God engageth to draw nigh to the humble and to 



Off HUMILITY. 



129 



dwell with the contrite, but he abhorreth the proud, and 
beholdeth them afar off. 

Humility leadeth the soul into the valley of fertility, 
while the proud seek for sustenance in vain, on the sum- 
mit of the barren mountain. 

Humility, like the gentle willow, bendeth beneath the 
force of the storm and riseth again ; while the proud, like 
the unyielding oak, are torn up and levelled with the dust. 

Humility tendeth to internal peace, and the quietness 
of a serene and happy spirit. 

The Holy Spirit cannot dwell with the high and lofty, 
but delighteth to abide in the meek and lowly mind. 

If thou seekest to grow in humility, study the charac- 
ters eminent for holiness exhibited in the sacred scrip- 
tures : as Abraham, the friend of God, yet averring 
himself to be sinful dust and ashes ; as Job, who was a 
perfect man compared with his compeers, but confessed 
" Behold, I am vile !" as Isaiah, the seraphic prophet, 
who overwhelmed with visions of the celestial temple, 
exclaimed, " Woe is me, for I am undone ; because I am 
a man of unclean lips." 

Especially study the life and spirit of thy Lord and 
Saviour, " Who being in the form of God, thought it not 
robbery to be equal with God : but made himself of no 
reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and 
was made in the likeness of man ; and being found in 
fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedi- 
ent unto death, even the death of the cross." 

And then retire into thy closet, seek those divine and 
heavenly blessings, which, while they exalt the mind to 



130 ON PATIENCE. 

purity and bliss, clothe the character with the beautiful 
vestments of humility and praise. 

Thus serving the Lord with humility of mind, thy soul 
shall wax strong, and grow in holy conformity to the 
image of thy Saviour, and thus shalt thou obtain the 
meetness which is indispensable to the enjoyment of the 
inheritance of the sanctified in heaven. 



ON PATIENCE. 

Patience is a grace which we need to lave while 
passing though this world of pain and sorrow. 

Trouble and suffering are the lot of all men, and 
neither station, nor learning, nor wisdom, nor even piety, 
can secure exemption. Some are sullen in their trials, 
and cherish secretly a spirit of deep resentment to the 
instruments of their troubles. Some are fretful, discon- 
tented, and fill the air with bitter murmurings and loud 
repinings. Some sink into despondency, and over- 
whelmed by fearful bodings of darker days and deeper 
trials, rush out of life, and quench the only hope of bliss 
to come. 

The Christian exercises patience, endures with equa- 
nimity of spirit, nor dares to charge with want of wis- 
dom, love, or faithfulness, the providence of God. 

And patience is the sweetener of our ills, the lightener 
of our burdens, and the assuager of our griefs. For 
fretfulness defeats itself, and our repining for some absent 
good only increases present pain and evil. 



ON PATIENCE. 131 

Patience looks with eye serene, through second causes 
up to God. 

It clearly recognizes the government of heaven as 
superintending all, directing and controlling things most 
intricate, and out of seeming evil deducing real good. 
It knows that in his hands, whom seraphim and cheru- 
bim adore, all must be righteous, pure, and good. 

Patience listeneth to the promises and gracious decla- 
rations of the oracles of truth. And can one word of 
promise fail ? Will God forget ? or lose his power, or 
willingness to save those who have trusted in his love ? 
Rather will heaven itself for ever pass away, than one 
engagement of his mouth shall not be to the very utmost 
verified. 

Patience reads the records of the good and pious, and 
seeketh in their heaven-bound steps to walk. 

She witnesseth the son of Jacob's fondest wishes, his 
cherished, and perhaps unwisely distinguished Joseph, 
falsely accused, and to a dungeon doomed ; yet waiting 
patiently till God should bring him forth reproachless, 
and open for him paths of honour and utility. 

Moses with wondrous meekness, and with elastic 
patience, suffered long from those whom he had led from 
Egypt's slavery ; and when the wrath of heaven darkened 
the horizon above them, pleaded, if no other terms would 
suspend the threatened storm, that his own name might 
be blotted from the book of life. 

But Job stands forth in holy writ, as the striking per- 
sonification of this grace. 

How sore his trials, how complicated, how like evil 
messengers treading on each other's heels. How over- 

g 2 



132 



ON PATIENCE. 



whelming, wave followed wave in quick succession, until 
at length his cattle, corn, his buildings, children, all 
were swept away before his gaze. 

Then to the list of sorrows, his own body filled with 
painful loathsome maladies. And added to the whole, 
the deep suspicion and cruel inuendoes of his friends. 
How was his day of brightness into night and darkness 
turned ! 

How deep, and comprehensive, and acute his sufferings 
were. And yet a pupil in the school of patience he was 
heard to say, Shall good be only given at our Father's 
hands, and not evil ! The Lord doth give, and also takes 
away, for ever blessed be his sacred name. 

And patience in his sad experience had its perfect 
work, and how it shone when every cloud had fled, and 
how it triumphed over dark surmisings, and how it rolled 
back the waters of the sea of trouble, and how it 
brightened forth like gold refined, and how it justified 
the ways of God to man, and how it gave the illustrious 
sufferer blessings in rich abundance over all he formerly 
enjoyed. 

And shall we silent be, concerning him, who shone 
with every grace, and in whom piety was perfected, 
yet malignant hatred, and griefs unparalleled, like stormy 
billows, overwhelmed his soul, and yet who like the 
gentle lamb was to the slaughter led, or like the sheep 
before her shearers dumb, he opened not his mouth. 

And how the history of the apostles and early followers 
of Jesus, is full of testimonies to the patient spirit which 
bore them up, amid all kinds of torture, that devils could 
invent, or men apply. 



ON PATIENCE. 



133 



Of such indeed unworthy was the world ; and the 
patience of the saints mid scenes of blood and suffering, 
is recounted by the sainted spirits round the throne in 
heaven. 

Then Christian, cultivate this queen of graces, let her 
preside and rule, and peace and equanimity will reign 
within thy soul. 

She will give the indomitable spirit of noble perse- 
verance in the right, despite the foes or dangers that sur- 
round thee. 

She will toil mid difficulties that appear to human 
reason insurmountable. 

She will, in the hour of fearful terror and disquietude, 
be still and hear what God shall speak. 

She will wait his time and way, nor dare to meddle 
with the things which God doth order. 

She, believing, never will repair to sinful schemes, and 
making haste, defeat the purposes of heaven. But mid 
the flood of deep and many waters, will like Noah's 
dove, the olive branch of peace present, and say, — Wait 
with submission, for the time of thy deliverance draweth 
near. 

And Christian, say, when looking through the vista of 
the future, and viewing all the radiant glories of the skies, 
the weight of bliss which as a crown will grace and bless 
thy head through unmeasured ages ; is it too much to 
bear with patience, the shadowy sorrows, and the pass- 
ing sufferings of thy momentary being here below ? 



134 



THE PEACEMAKER. 

How sweetly doth the sound of peace vibrate on the 
ear. How horrid is the cruel din and clash of war. 
How painful too the strife of tongues. How mournful 
is the scene where men give way to bickering, conten- 
tions, envy, hatred, and devilish animosities, where man 
appears the inveterate enemy of man. How oft too is 
this spirit fanned to flame, by men possessed of passions 
of like tendency. 

How beautiful in contrast stands forth the peacemaker ! 
whose hallowed influence is piously exerted to allay and 
soothe, and concord to promote. Who, like the dove, 
hovers around, bearing the symbol of harmony and love. 

Whose countenance is lit with rays of true benignity ; 
who is full of holy tenderness, and whose charities 
encircle all mankind. Clad in the vestments of his 
sacred Lord, anointed with the Spirit from above, armed 
with the bloodless weapons of the truth, influenced by 
love to God and love to man, he wends his way to exe- 
cute his mission far and near. Finds he men striving ; 
he will say, strive not, for you are brethren. Perceives 
he that the apple of discord has been thrown into the 
social circle ; he says, as bound in kindred bonds, fall 
not out by the way. If nations threaten nations with 
the attack of arms and invading armies, he urges arbi- 
tration, and recommends that wisdom, calm, deliberate, 
and not brutal force should settle all their differences. 

Where'er he goes, his spirit doth proclaim, I am for 



THE PEACEMAKER. 135 

peace ; and those who watch his steps cry out with ad- 
miration, Blessed are the men of peace, for they God^s 
children are, in verity and truth ! 

Then reader seek, that in thy bosom the spirit of amity 
and peace may dwell. Seek that the lovely and gentle 
mind of Christ may dwell in thee. Seek too, that thou 
mayest ever live in peace with God, and be environed 
by that peace that passeth understanding. And seek in 
all thy intercourse with man, by word and deed, to show 
the blest propriety and excellency of peace. Nor let 
thy spirit towards those who do not see with thee on 
subjects of religion or benevolence, be disturbed. 

Even on the subject of peace itself, men — for want of 
thought, or through an education unpropitious, or 
through the influence of calling, or that perpetual moving 
thing, self-love — may not in clearness understand the 
vast importance of the theme. Well, bear and forbear ; 
let light in sweet and gentle rays descend, and raise them 
to an altitude where truth and peace will be perceived 
in all their real excellencies. 

A peacemaker must not become a dogmatist, but 
gently use persuasive arts. Yet peace so heavenly and 
good, and precious, must not be gained by compromise of 
holy principle. There is a peace unhallowed, where 
truth and righteousness are sacrificed to obtain it. From 
such a peace turn with abhorrence. It descendeth not 
from him who sendeth every good and perfect gift ; but 
it is the spawn of hell, the base resemblance only of the 
real, the money counterfeit, which is not current with the 
good on earth, or with the blest in heaven. 

Peace must not be severed from the truth, but hand 



136 



THE DIVINE PROMISES. 



in hand must travel, bearing down error and iniquity, 
and thus erecting on the stable basis of righteousness, a 
kingdom pure and lovely, resembling that exalted realm, 
"where justice and righteousness uphold the throne, 
around which the bow of peace in loveliest hues appears. 
The peacemaker is blest with rich enjoyments while 
he lives, with calm serenity he shall present his charge 
to God, and mingle with the kindred peaceful hosts of 
heavenly joy for evermore. 






THE DIVINE PROMISES. 

The divine promises form a very extensive part of the 
sacred volume, and in these, in a most especial manner, 
are the riches of the goodness and grace of God dis- 
played. 

It is the privilege of man to peruse this heavenly in- 
ventory of blessings, and to appropriate them in all their 
fulness to his personal exigencies. 

Yet how essential is it that the promises be distinctly 
understood, and duly contemplated in their express and 
limited application to certain conditions and characters 
specifically described. 

Neglecting this, the enthusiast may reckon on gifts 
and communications which were specially bestowed and 
only designed for special offices and peculiar seasons. 

The profane erreth, if he expecteth the good which is 
promised to the devout; or the unbeliever, if he reck- 



THE DIVINE PROMISES. 137 

oneth on mercies vouchsafed to faith ; or the carnal, if he 
looketh for blessings which are promised to the earnest 
and spiritually-minded ; or the obdurate, if he supposeth 
he shall enjoy the solace of the penitent ; or the negli- 
gent, if he anticipateth the fruitfulness only warranted to 
the diligent and faithful servant. 

'Tis true some promises are general, and belong to the 
whole species. Of such may be reckoned the engage- 
ment of infinite compassion, to send the woman's seed to 
bruise the serpent's head. 

Of such too, that the care and goodness of the provi- 
dence of heaven shall give the revolving seasons and 
the gathering harvest to the family of man. 

Of such also, that the word of truth and light shall 
visit every land, and clime, and tongue, and that the 
gospel shall be preached to every creature. 

But promises of heaven's perpetual guardian care, be- 
long; to those who fear the Lord. 

Angelic ministration is engaged for such as are salva- 
tion's heirs ; and all the holy gifts of spiritual influences 
and heavenly glories, are given only unto those who by 
faith are children of the living God. 

And therefore carefully examine the tenure on which 
the blessings are suspended, and always bear in mind, 
that character and promise are inviolably linked 
together. 

And often too the promise is allied to the discharge of 
duty to which God calls his people, — not connected by 
the warranty of merit, for sinners saved by grace can 
have no merit, but rather by a holy fitness in the re- 
cipient for the boon bestowed. 
g 5 



138 THE DIVINE PROMISES. 

To faithful, instant, persevering prayer the key of 
heaven's treasure is presented, and the holy fervent 
suppliant is permitted to enter and enrich himself with all 
his ardent soul desires. 

To deep humility, celestial dignity and exaltation are 
insured. 

To him who loveth mercy, mercy shall surely be im- 
parted. 

To those who ply with diligence their religious holy 
calling, abundant riches shall be given. 

To those of liberal soul, whose generosity dispenseth 
far and near, a hale and vigorous state of mind, and 
invincible establishment in grace. 

To those whose lot it is to be maligned for the gospel's 
sake, or loss to suffer, a present inward recompense of 
purest joy, and in the world to come, an exceeding great 
reward. 

To all those who by patient perseverance in paths of 
well-doing, glory, immortality, and eternal life. 

Now these are but a sample from the boundless store 
of love divine ; but how they clearly show, that character 
and promise go together. 

Hence promises are given to those assailed by the fiery 
darts of hell. 

To those who heavy-laden are with many griefs and 
sorrows. 

To those who, in God's providence, are called to pass 
through troublous waters, or afflictive fires. 

To those bereaved of kindred and dear friends. 

To the pious poor, the orphan, the widow, and the 
fatherless. 



THE INTERCESSOR. 139 

To those surrounded with the infirmities of age, 
and who tottering walk along the margin of the tomb. 

To those whose heart and flesh do fail, and who per- 
form the solemn journey through death's dark and awful 
valley. 

O Christian, how exalted art thou in the rich and pre- 
cious promises of heaven ! 

How they glitter over thine adoring head in the celes- 
tial firmament ! How varied, how full, how free, how 
sure, how everlasting ! 

Make them all thine own by prayer and faith's appro- 
priation. 

Enjoy them here as thy spiritual birthright ; anticipate 
by lively hope those which refer to the eternal glories of 
the future world, and celebrate by loudest praise the 
grace and love from which they emanate. 



THE INTERCESSOR. 

In ancient times the visitor to the tabernacle erected 
in the wilderness, or the temple of Solomon, would have 
beheld in splendid vestments the priest of God interceding 
for the people. That economy, with its sacrifices, and 
rites, and priesthood, has passed away. The priesthood 
of Aaron has been succeeded by that of him who is a 
priest for ever after the order of Melchizedec. Now, 
the priesthood is concentrated in the person of one, even 
Jesus the Son of the Most High God. 



140 THE INTERCESSOR. 

This office was conferred on him by the Father ; he 
was anointed to it by the plenitude of the Holy Spirit, at 
his baptism ; and he presented the needful sacrifice of his 
own self, on the altar of the cross of Calvary. 

Having offered the mystical and infinitely efficacious 
oblation, he entered into the holiest place of all, even the 
heaven of heavens ; and there he appears in the presence 
of God for his people. 

He is there to dispense the blessings of his grace to 
mankind ; but he is there also, to make intercession for 
the saints according to the will of God. 

We dare not say that his intercession does not benefit 
the world — prolong the probationary state of the sinner — 
and keep suspended the sword of wrath over the head of 
the obdurate. 

But the Intercessor is chiefly engaged in advocating 
the interests of those who come unto God by him. 

How striking and delightful is the character of the 
Saviour in the exercise of this gracious office ! 

How unsullied his nature ! How dignified his station ! 
How intensely affectionate his sympathies ! 

He appeals to the immaculateness of his person, to the 
perfection of his obedience, to the complete execution of 
the work the Father gave him to do. 

He appeals to his agony, his bloody sweat, his passion, 
and his ignominious death upon the tree. 

He appeals to the sovereign virtue of his atoning 
blood, to his resurrection, the acceptation of his sacrifice, 
and his regal authority and glory in the heavenly state. 

What an Intercessor ! What majesty, and goodness, 
and graciousness centre in him ! 



THE INTERCESSOR. 141 

To him our persons must be brought, for all the saved 
are saved in him. 

In him our faith and trust must alone be placed, for he 
is the only basis of the sinner's hope. 

Through him all our prayers and praises, our worship, 
our penitence, our gratitude, our deeds of charity and 
mercy must pass, to receive the smile and favour of our 
God. 

To him all our concerns must be committed, and into 
his hand must be believingly surrendered all our high 
and momentous interests, pertaining to eternity. 

And at last when life shall end, resting, on his medi- 
ation, and yielding our spirit into his care, we must pass 
with holy rapture from this world of sorrow to the 
realms of endless day and blessedness. 

Forget not his intercession is that of purest infinite 
compassion ; that it is instant, unceasing, and ever, ever 
must prevail. 

Then love him, and adore ; trust him with all thou 
hast ; and expect, through his merits, glory, immortality, 
and endless life. 



142 



ON FORGIVING INJURIES. 

The forgiveness of others is one of the essential pre- 
requisites to the attainment of divine forgiveness. He 
who forgiveth not the trespasses of men against himself 
shall never be forgiven. 

And yet how difficult to yield this law ready, cheerful, 
and hearty obedience. 

How human nature would prefer to cherish keen 
resentments, and what is called, the sweetness of revenge. 

Sweet it may be, to men of fiery passions, to men 
whose hearts have never felt the influence of heavenly 
love, whose carnal nature is bowed down by the dire 
manacles of hellish domination. 

Sweet it may be, also to little puerile minds-, whose 
souls are destitute of true nobility, and who are strangers 
to the warm emotions of love and generosity. 

Sweet it may be, to men whose pride and haughtiness 
inflate with arrogant assumptions, and who rage with 
fury if subjected to injury from others. 

Sweet, did I say? But is it not the sweetness of 
sugared poison which will spread a moral death through- 
out the soul ? 

Sweet to the depraved excited taste it may be, but 
in its influence, no gall or wormwood can more bitter be. 

The man who forswears forgiveness to his fellows 
should be perfect, and have no spot upon his own fair 
character, or unto him some exercise of clemency hath 
been extended. 

And where 's the perfect man who never did offend his 



ON FORGIVING INJURIES. 143 

brother man, and did not afterwards rejoice in the for- 
giveness that swept away the remembrance of his faults ? 
Then surely such, should ne'er allow the bitterness of 
unrelenting malevolence to prey upon his mind. 

If thou wouldest know in truth and verity the sweetest 
luxury that can arise from thine own actions, let clemency, 
compassion, and true pity, richly supply thee with their 
streams of kind forgiveness. 

To forgive with heartiness, and banish every lingering 
cloud of dark resentment from the mind, is the highest 
effort and noblest exercise to which thou canst be called. 
In this, thou imitatest him whose goodness fills the 
earth, and whose tender mercies are richly spread through 
all his works. 

In this, thou hast communion with the Prince of Peace 
whose dying breath implored forgiveness for his cruel 
murderers. 

In this, thou dost exemplify the spirit of the gospel, 
and provest that forgiving grace has not been given to 
thee in vain. 

In this, thou disappointest Satan of his prey ; and his 
power dissolves, for he hates the genial clime of mercy 
and benignity as he hates God and holy things. 

In this, thou mayest, with bended knee, and suppliant 
voice, and holy fervour, pray, — Lord, as I mine enemies 
forgive, forgive thou me, — and rest assured, that mercy 
shown to others shall return again to thee with numerous 
blessings in its train. 

And though the offender may have multiplied his sins 
against thee, yet let thy graciousness of soul, like the 
overflowing tide, into oblivion's depths, bear all away. 



144 



FRIENDSHIP. 

Friendship is the affectionate union of minds in the 
bonds of kindliness and benevolence. 

That, only deserves the name of friendship which is 
based on moral principle, and is sustained by sincerity 
and goodness. 

It would seem, that in order to real friendship, there 
should be close intimacy, congeniality of spirit, and kin- 
dredness of affection. 

There are minds greatly deficient in the true elements of 
cohesion, and there are others where selfishness so pre- 
dominates, as to form an insuperable barrier to genuine 
friendship. 

There is much more of the profession of friendship in 
the world than of the reality, and many who bear the 
name, migrate as the seasons alter, to warmer and more 
sunny climes. 

Man is eminently formed and evidently designed for 
receiving and reciprocating a friendly spirit; and it is 
evident that much of our happiness in this life is inter- 
woven with it. 

Ingenuousness, courtesy, goodness, and sympathy, are 
its essential elements, and constancy one of its most 
lovely attributes : for " a friend loveth at all times/' 

Fidelity and candour are indispensable to its health 
and vigour ; and flattery and dissimulation its bane and 
ruin. 

Friendship is often most strikingly exhibited in little 
things, and those who are indifferent to these, seldom are 



FRIENDSHIP. 145 

blest with friendship worth having, or retain that which 
is worth enjoying. 

Forget not those who have been the steady friends of 
thy predecessors, " thine own and thy father's friend for- 
sake not." 

The rich often appear to have many friends, but those 
that Mammon gathereth, one stroke of adversity will 
scatter; hence the patriarch Job exclaimed, "All my 
friends abhorred me, and they whom I loved are turned 
against me." 

If thou hast been so favoured as to have one real 
friend, be thankful ; esteem and reciprocate his affection. 
" For a man that hath friends must show himself 
friendly." 

Envy hath often corroded it, suspicion blighted it, and 
anger consumed it. 

Kindness is the atmosphere where this plant of loveli- 
ness can vegetate and bloom, and the frosts of unchari- 
tableness inevitably destroy it. 

The scriptures present many delightful instances of 
friendship in its highest and most dignified exhibitions : 
how beautifully was it evinced in the history of Ruth 
and Naomi ; as the Moabitish widow exclaimed, " En- 
treat me not to leave thee, or to return from following- 
after thee : for whither thou goest I will go, and where 
thou lodgest I will lodge ; thy people shall be my people, 
and thy God my God. Where thou diest will I die, and 
there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more 
also, if aught but death part thee and me." 

How nobly it existed between David and Jonathan ; 
observe the sympathetica! dirge of the sweet singer of 



146 FRIENDSHIP. 

Israel, " How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the 
battle ! O Jonathan ! thou wast slain in thine high 
places ; I am distressed for thee my brother Jonathan ; 
very pleasant hast thou been unto me, thy love to me was 
wonderful, passing the love of women. How are, the 
mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished." 

How kind and courageous the friendship of Onesi- 
phorus for the inspired apostle of the Gentiles, and which 
he has thus engraven on the page of revelation, " The 
Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he 
oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. 
But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very dili- 
gently and found me . . . And in how many things 
he ministered unto me at Ephesus thou knowest very 
well." 

But friendship in its grandest and most sublime mani- 
festation was presented in the life and mission of him, 
who though " he was rich yet for our sakes became poor, 
that we through his poverty might be made rich." 

Whether we contemplate the character and station of 
the Redeemer, or the unworthiness of the objects of his 
regard, or the price he paid to effect their well being, this 
is the climax of all that is great, and generous, and glow- 
ing in friendship ; and throughout time and eternity will 
have no parallel nor fit resemblance. 

A feeble imitation of it is seen in the good will of his 
people towards one another, and in their love and mercy 
toward their perishing fellow-men. 

Friendship, counsels with wisdom and kindness, sym- 
pathizes with tenderness, and assists with cheerfulness. 

Friendship, abideth mid misfortunes, endureth the 



FRIENDSHIP. 147 

assaults of malevolence, gives countenance amidst re- 
proaches, consoles in adversity, visits in affliction, lives 
beyond death, and flourishes in eternity. 

Hence it pines not with the wastings of disease, expires 
not with the stroke of mortality, and decays not in the 
grave of putrescence. 

Friendships formed on godly principles on earth, 
become evergreens, and thrive with celestial bloom in the 
goodly land that is afar off. 

Be not hasty in admitting assuming friends into the 
chambers of thine heart, or making them the objects of 
thy trust ; but whilst candidly and charitably hoping the 
best, yet forget not that thy fellow-man is often a broken 
reed ; and the wise man saith, that " confidence in an 
unfaithful man in time of trouble, is like a broken tooth, 
and afoot out of joint." Conduct thyself towards thy 
friends that they cannot hate thee, nor yet despise thee, 
and if possible that they must honour and love thee. 

Be not easily offended, and guard against giving just 
ground of complaint, and frankly admit when wrong 
hath overtaken thee. Sanctify thy friendship by fervent 
prayer, and seek its consummation in the regions of 
immortality. 

Let no bribe tempt thee to forsake thy friend, nor by 
any act compel him to abandon thee. 

Suspect not in thine heart, nor whisper evil even in 
secret, but let openness and sincerity adorn thee. 

Especially seek the friendship of Jehovah, and the 
consolations of religion ; for whatever earthly friendships 
are incompatible with these, are not worth thy having, 
and their influence must be for evil and not for good. 



148 ON MARRIAGE. 

If friends should fail, and thy spirit should grieve 
within thee, forget not that David's friends conspired 
against him ; that Job's friends forsook him in the hour 
of need ; and that the professed friend of the world's 
Redeemer sold him for thirty pieces of silver. 



ON MARRIAGE. 

God having planted the social principle in the nature of 
the first man, provided him with an help meet for him ; 
one who should be his companion, his solace, and closest 
friend. One emphatically a part of himself, and en- 
dowed with all the tenderest sympathies of his own 
nature, even in a pre-eminent degree. 

The marriage relationship therefore, is the most inti- 
mate that can be formed, and when based on appropriate- 
ness of mental and moral choice, and hallowed by 
fervent affection, is of all others the most conducive to 
human comfort and enjoyment. 

It is a union however that requires wisdom and 
prudence rightly to form ; and much kind care and dis- 
cretion to maintain, in all its close and sacred associa- 
tions unimpaired. 

How few seem to be acquainted with its true merits, 
and importance. One is enamoured with a beautiful face 
or handsome form, and is utterly indifferent as to the 
mental or moral qualifications possessed. 



ON MARRIAGE. 



149 



Some merely seek a dowry, and are much more in 
heart wedded to the purse than the person. 

And some enter upon it lightly and unadvisedly, as if 
it were a contract that could be dissolved at will, or 
broken at pleasure. 

A wise man will pay some attention to the stock and 
parentage, both on physiological and moral grounds. 
He will not be indifferent to the mental training, and 
the social atmosphere in which the object of his choice 
has been educated. 

Not indifferent to personal attractions, he will have 
especial respect to the characteristics of the mind, and 
to the qualities of the heart. 

If peace and joy are to result from the marriage com- 
pact, there must be mutual agreeableness of person, 
genial harmony of sentiment, and oneness of pursuit. 

Two cannot walk together except they be agreed, and 
therefore a close and happy union can only be expected 
to arise from a physical, intellectual, and moral harmony. 

There are some things which phrenology describes as 
most desirable. The principle of adhesiveness which is 
the cement of the bond, a goodly measure of concen- 
trated affection, an evident manifestation of benevolence, 
which is the crowning glory of mankind. 

It is not safe to be allied with those of wavering, un- 
settled minds, with those of suspicious tendency, or with 
close reserve and cherished secretiveness, or with a dis- 
position to irritation and anger, and much less to envy, 
jealousy, and wrath. 

Yet imagine not that any earthly being should possess 
in full perfection, all thou wouldest desire ; and for- 



150 ON MARRIAGE. 

get not, that with thy own frailties some kind forbearance 
must be exercised. 

How truly grievous is it, that in a matter of so much 
importance to human weal and happiness, that through 
thoughtlessness and ill-matched alliances, many should 
be wedded only to strife and bickerings j and that the 
stream of human trouble which is the lot of all, should 
be made more dark and turbid by the bitter ingredients 
of ill-assorted marriages. 

This never can be a concern of small import, or of 
minor moment ; it is a life-lease of increased good, that 
nothing else can give ; or of protracted grief and sorrow, 
that the opening grave alone absorbs. 

Be wise then in this high concern ; enter on its path 
with care and prudence, and seek that heavenly wisdom 
may direct thy steps, and give to thee the richest earthly 
treasure, a wise, affectionate, and virtuous wife. 

And woman, let not thy kind and unsuspecting nature 
supplant that wise and prudent forethought which thou 
shouldest with circumspection exercise most rigidly, 
when thou art moved to enter the marriage circle. 

To thee this step, next to the favour of thy God, is 
all in all. 

From henceforth, not thine own, but his, whose domi- 
nion will be kind and congenial to thy gentle nature, or 
rude, and violent, and destructive of all thy peace and 

joy- 
Let no foolish thoughts invade thy mind, that 'tis not 

honourable to live and die unwedded, and make thee 

anxious the first presented bait to seize. It were better 

beyond all compare, if thou hadst many generations here 



ON MARRIAGE. 151 

on earth to live, to be consigned to deepest solitude, than 
dwell with one unfitted for the close endearing kindness 
that happy marriages involve. 

The wisest, noblest, best, and happiest of thy sex, have 
been those women who would not throw their peace and 
hopes away, where confidence could not be fully placed, 
or warm affection yielded, with the certainty of a full re- 
ciprocated return. 

Seek counsel then before this step for life is taken, and 
let not prudence throw the reins aside, lest fancy, passion, 
or misplaced affection should consign thee to a maze of 
doubt, and wretchedness, and sorrow. 

If providence doth open clear before thee the path of 
matrimony, and sends thee one in whom Christian princi- 
ples, and manly generosity, with sterling sense and 
unquestionable affection dwell, who seeks thy hand, then 
yield it, and pray God's blessing on it, and prove thyself 
a wife indeed deserving of his fullest confidence and love, 
and peace be ever with thee ! 



152 



PARENTS. 

The parental relationship is one of close endearment, 
and of momentous responsibility. 

The emotions with which it is identified, are the most 
tender and lively of which the human bosom is suscep- 
tible. 

The love of offspring, and paternal delight in them, are 
among the deepest and most intense of all the affections. 

The wild untutored savage needs no one to insist that 
he should love his child. With unsubdued ferocity, and 
treachery and murder in his soul towards his enemies, yet 
with gentleness and overweening fondness does he pro- 
tect and give his offspring needful good. 

And yet, with all this kindness, is it not a fearful truth 
that few, even of Christian name, discharge parental 
duties with the wisdom and the kind of love which true 
religion claimeth. 

To seek them needful food and raiment, to shelter them 
from storm, to protect from ills and perils by which they 
are environed ; all this is well, but only natural ; this but 
feebly imitateth some of those creatures deemed inferior 
to our race. 

What strong attachment doth the harpooned whale dis- 
play towards her young, or the hunted furious bear ; and 
with what interest does the sheep behold her bleating 
lamb. 

But human offspring have a high and intellectual 
nature ; mind designed for mental action, and for con- 
tinuous improvement. 



PARENTS. 153 

They have the powers of reasoning — perception, and 
reflection. They have passions of a noble order, and 
they too, with ourselves, possess a conscience which 
speaks within of their accountability to God and man. 

To feed the body and neglect the mind, is only kind- 
ness such as brutes display, and evinceth that such 
parents have no minds to know, or hearts to ap- 
preciate, the precious and ethereal parts of human 
nature. 

The mind must have its daily meal of mental food. 

Its nourishment and culture should occupy all the soli- 
citude that parents' hearts can feel. 

Neglect the mind, and thy child will grow in strength 
corporeal, but his soul will remain stunted, puerile, or ex- 
tremely vicious, by drinking in, the poisonous streams 
around it. 

Neglect the mind, and you inflict a fearful curse by 
letting that lie dormant which would have been the glory 
of thy child. 

Such children, unless fostered by some other genial 
care, will be burdens on the state — moral lepers in the 
spheres in which they move — the subjects of enjoyments 
merely brutal — and, in many cases, the shame and 
scourge of those who gave them being. 

Proud and perverse, impelled by passions of their 
lowest nature, to tender feelings strangers, without a 
noble aim or end in life, will it be marvellous if they 
should mingle with the vicious — become the inmates of 
the prison — exiled to penal settlements — or end, in direst 
ignominy, their lives upon the gallows ? 

Parents, your station is one most onerous. Begin be- 



154 



PARENTS. 



times to form, and lead, and mould the mind. When 
young the powers and faculties are plastic and easily re- 
ceive the impress you intend. The tender osier may be 
bent or reared as the owner listeth. 

Infuse into their minds sound knowledge, and train 
them up in close acquaintance with the principles of 
truest excellency. 

The bible be your book of training — your daily moni- 
tor, and teach its truths with diligence by morning light, 
and evening shades, when thou dost walk with them 
abroad, or when thou dost retire. 

Early impress their own responsibility, instil into them 
the principles of due respect to men, reverence and love 
for God, and holy emulation of the good they see in 
others. 

Warn against evil, hold up the vicious, as beacons, that 
they may avoid the hidden rocks and shoals of sin around 
them. 

Let thy parental counsels have their due authority; 
clothe with the words of power imperative ; yet mingle 
with the whole the "vein of love, that even perverse 
spirits cannot quite reject, without a feeling sense of guilt 
and shame. 

Foster not sullenness of spirit before them ; be 
not soon angry, nor let the sun go down upon thy 
wrath. 

Let discipline be sound and firm, but let not punish- 
ment ever be severe or beyond measure. 

Let them know the value of the character thou 
labourest to produce. Speak of the approbation of the 
good and wise ; address their self-respect ; allude especi- 



PARENTS. 155 

ally to His celestial favour which far outweighs both life, 
and all terrestrial things. 

Set cheerful piety before them day by day. Libel not 
by gloominess and melancholy — falsely called religious — 
the sweet and radiant paths of saving wisdom. 

Commit them earnestly, in all thy prayer, to him 
whose power alone can change the human heart, and 
whose blessing is essential to success. 

Reckon that thy children must be accounted for; 
think of their standing with thee in the presence of thy 
Judge. 

Think of their endless destiny. Think of unend- 
ing joys in heaven, or remediless despair and an- 
guish in hell beneath ; and oh ! be anxious that through 
all eternity thy children may partake with thee of 
all the glories, bliss, and ecstacy, included in eternal 
life, 



156 



TO CHILDREN. 



It seems scarcely possible that this book can be intro- 
duced into many families, without some children, those 
living household treasures, occasionally looking into it. 

For their sole use and benefit this chapter is penned, 
and I trust it may be found applicable to many a case 
between the ages of six and fourteen. 

And now, my dear youthful reader, the writer of this 
book remembers well his years of childhood. 

He remembers the affectionate attentions and unceasing 
care of parents, relatives and friends. 

He remembers his first school-mistress, and how she 
stooped to his childish capacity to make him acquainted 
with the first lessons of his education. 

He remembers the loss of his best and nearest friend, a 
pious, affectionate mother. 

He remembers how many scenes of pain and sorrow 
followed that, to him, a loss no earthly power could 
supply. 

He remembers being sent from home to a distant 
school, and many of the foolish and naughty things he 
did at that early period of his life. 

He remembers too when his days of schooling ended 
with what fond hopes and bright expectations he entered 
on active life ; in youth united with God's people — be- 
came a man — and then a minister — and afterwards a 
writer of many books — and many of them for the instruc- 
tion and entertainment, and improvement of the young. 



TO CHILDREN. 157 

Having such distinct recollections of the past history 
of himself, he thinks he can offer some remarks that 
may benefit his youthful readers, perhaps through life. 

And first, he would remind them that life must have 
some end to answer, and that both God and men have a 
right to expect certain things to be accomplished by the 
rising generation. 

To know yourselves is of very great importance. 

To remember your ignorance in respect to most things 
around you. 

That people who are older must have seen a great deal 
more, and understand therefore vastly better than it 
would be reasonable to expect from you. 

Then do not think too highly of yourselves, but culti- 
vate modesty and lowliness of mind. 

And remember that you must be very attentive to what 
you see and hear, so that you may grow daily in wisdom, 
that is, in the right using of what you know. 

Keep your eyes and ears open, and knowledge will and 
must get into your minds ; and do not care so much 
about the use of your tongue, until you can say what is 
worth hearing, and what those around must approve. 

It is very degrading to be often told to be silent, and 
the right management of your tongue will be of the great- 
est service to you. 

I do not wish you to be sullen, but converse freely and 
cheerfully, but let it be at the right time, and in proper 
measure. 

What you desire to know that your books do not in- 
struct you in, ask of your parents, or your elder brothers 
and sisters, or of your teacher, or some kind friend. 



158 TO CHILDREN. 

Give due respect and reverence to your parents, do not 
take advantage because they love you, but value their 
love, and see to it, that your conduct will cause it to 
increase. 

Obey promptly their commands ; do not question what 
they wish, but do it, and always with a smiling face, and 
cheerful heart. 

Never speak or act when they are absent contrary to 
their wishes, for if you enter on the path of deceit, it 
will lead you into grievous sins, and many sorrows. 

If you should do wrong, confess it, and seek their for- 
giveness, and watch more earnestly in future. 

Be ingenuous in all you say and do. Especially re- 
gard the truth, and never, no never utter what is false. 

A lying tongue is the hatred of God, and the utter ab- 
horrence of all good men. 

Waste not your time. I would not hinder daily, play 
or recreation, but try every day to learn what was un- 
known to you before, and labour every day to do some- 
thing that is worth doing, and will bear remembrance. 

Be kind and gentle to your brothers, and more especi- 
ally to sisters ; their confidence and love is well worth 
having. 

Let not pride nor envy make you indifferent to them, 
or be grieved because they have, what you have not. 

With goodness and generosity treat all your youthful 
companions and friends. 

Be liberal in giving what you may possess, and remem- 
ber what there is left behind will thus be sweeter. 

Forgive those who may offend you, and let not anger 
rest and lodge within you. 



TO CHILDREN. 159 

Be considerate and compassionate to the poor, never 
mock the lame, or insult old age, but cherish pity towards 
all who are unfortunate and less happy than yourselves. 

Avoid bad company ; be not enticed to acts of mis- 
chief. 

Rude and profane society flee from, as you would a 
house infected with the plague. 

Do not gamble even for smallest sums, and let 
your acts of play be free from malice or ill temper. 

And above all, often think that God beholds you — that 
his eyes are ever over and around you. 

Fear God, and remember sin against him must be 
earnestly repented of and forsaken, or it will lead you 
down to darkest regions of everlasting death and sorrow. 

Pray to God that he may be your guide, and save you 
from the numerous snares of youthful life. 

Seek the Lord that he may bless you with his favour, 
and give you a heart to know and serve him constantly. 

Rejoice that Jesus came to seek and save poor ruined 
sinners, and that he stretches out his arms to gather you 
as a good Shepherd, into his bosom, and if you come to 
him, and trust to his redeeming grace, he will to your 
souls be more precious than all the world could give. 

Forget not constantly to seek from God the blessings 
that you need, and praise him daily for all the bounties 
he has given you. 

Neglect not public worship, but go and learn true wis- 
dom from the lips of the messengers of salvation, and 
daily read some portion of God's holy word. And dear 
children, early dedicate yourselves to God. 

Choose the godly for your chiefest friends, and resolve 



160 



TO CHILDREN. 



with all your hearts and souls to seek the way that leads 
to everlasting life. 

Seek God's blessing on all you do, and pray that he 
may make you good, and wise, and happy ; that he may 
make you the joy of your parents and friends — holy 
members of his church on earth, and blessings to the 
world in which you live. 

And forget not, you may die before the days of child- 
hood are flown over. How many graves just large 
enough for you are found in every burial-ground. 

I would not make you gloomy, but do remember that 
you must surely die — enter eternity — and appear before 
the Judge of all mankind. 

Only the pure in heart will then be happy, or have a 
joyful entrance into heaven. 

The blood of Jesus makes all pure and holy who do 
believe in it, and follow in his sacred heavenly footsteps. 

And if you should not die in youth, but live till four- 
score years, religion will adorn and bless you, and also 
make you a real good to all around you. 

Then, like John who leaned on the bosom of the 
Saviour, be young disciples of the blessed Jesus, and 
love, and serve, and praise him all your days. 



161 



ON TEACHING. 

Teaching pertaineth to a high and noble office, and 
yet numerous are the persons and various the grades of 
those who are called to engage in it. 

The highest is that of the messenger of heaven, who 
beareth with him the tidings of the celestial amnesty, and 
whose labour of mercy and compassion, is to persuade the 
thoughtless sons of men at enmity with God, to receive 
his favour in the spirit of reconciliation. 

Next to him is that of the pedagogue, whose office it is 
to instruct a nation's youth, and train a race for works of 
usefulness and dignity for the ensuing generation. 

No easy task devolves on such an one, and great is the 
responsibility inseparably identified with such an under- 
taking. 

His materials, how varied and dissimilar ! The pam- 
pered child of luxury — the mother's enervated darling — 
the wayward, ill-behaved — the mischief-maker — the hero 
of riot and confusion — the lazy dolt who dreads his book 
as if its pages were o'er- run with spectres — the naturally 
dull and heavy of understanding, who never seemingly 
was designed for ought but toil, the window of whose 
mind, almost opaque, refuses light admission. 

To know each disposition, to be well acquainted with 
the evidences of genius, and peculiar fitness for some path 
adapted to their mental calibre ; to study, too, the means 
by which their future lot in life is to be decided, is the 
vast and comprehensive office of the teacher. 

Then, to suit the mode of teaching to the scholar's own 
h 5 



162 ON TEACHING. 

capacity and aptitude, and the wondrous charm of making 
lessons easy, and throwing o'er them the spell of fascina- 
tion : — 

To elevate the mental character, and with that pro- 
cess, gently the manners to correct, and mould by sweet 
instruction and good example, the moral powers of the 
soul : — 

To store the mind with light and truth, and train it up 
in intellectual paths to roam, and then to give the whole 
a sound and moral action. 

Not to teach names alone, but things — not merely 
words, but trains of thought — not merely lessons philolo- 
gical, but philosophical — causes and effects — and withal, 
the principles of sciences and arts. 

Not to store the memory so much with ancient lores of 
tongues now obsolete, as with the signs, distinctions, illus- 
trations, and uses, of soundest knowledge and wisdom 
practical. 

Who knows but he who has the process tried, how 
difficult it is to reach a consummation so important and 
desirable ? 

What skill — what tact — what precision — what dili- 
gence — what knowledge of our nature — what right di- 
rected influence — what patience — and what an exemplifi- 
cation of what is taught, should the teacher's life exhibit ! 

The power of example added to wisely given in- 
struction, seldom fails to gain the end desired. 

And if a teacher should in his own person and in his 
art combine so many excellencies, then how necessary 
that parents and guardians of youth should know and 
well approve the character and fitness of those, to whom 
they give the arduous task of teaching. 



ON TEACHING. 163 

How possible that mind may be marred for want of 
skill in moulding it 5 that genius may be blighted for 
want of wisdom to elicit it, and when elicited, to wisely 
foster and improve its growth. 

Besides, how principles and rules of action may be 
formed, and habits dire and awful in their influence, if 
moral principle be wanting in the teacher ! 

There is another class of teachers, humble in the esti- 
mation of men who only value mental training ; I mean 
the sabbath-school instructor, — 

Whose office is an honorary one ; whose only motive is 
the good of poor neglected children ; whose most essen- 
tial qualification is Christian principle in lively exercise, 
with a moderate share of knowledge, and sterling com- 
mon sense. 

Who has to stoop to ignorance in its lowest forms, and 
dig the ore from minds neglected by the world around. 

His early morning meal, hastily despatched, he quickly 
moves with cheerful steps to the associated school-room 
of the poor. 

With prayer for heaven's sweet smile, and rich essen- 
tial blessing j with care, and patience, and affection, he 
leads his scholars through instruction's path of difficult 
ascent. 

But his, is chiefly to nurture and with the scrap of know- 
ledge furnished, to dilate on truths which revelation doth 
exhibit : — to speak of God and things divine — of man — 
his nature — fall — his ruin — helplessness and misery — of 
Jesus Christ, the way of life eternal — of gospel duties, 
privileges, and blessings — to inculcate obedience to 
parents and teachers, love to all and holy fear of God. 



164 ON TEACHING. 

By pleasing stories and simple illustrations to bring 
down things of sublimest kind to suit their narrowed weak 
capacities — to do this lovingly, so that the teacher is lost 
in the friend and benefactor ; and that the child hastens 
with delight to join his class, and listen to the words of 
gentle wisdom. 

How many thousands of the rising generation of the 
poor will have to bless the day that sabbath schools were 
formed in our land ! 

How many families have received back a docile child, 
well behaved and mentally and morally improved, who left 
their dwelling at the first, rude, ignorant, and disobedient! 

How many churches have, from these instructive nur- 
series, increased the number of their active members, who 
in return have laboured much to bless the sphere in 
which they move ! 

Of ministers and missionaries, not a few have first re- 
ceived the seeds of learning, and the better seeds of holy 
knowledge in the sabbath school. 

To teachers in these seminaries of Christian truth and 
principle we say, — seek heavenly knowledge for your- 
selves — be prompt — be diligent — be punctual — be serious, 
yet with cheerful gravity — be kind, and exercise long- 
suffering to your charge — be prayerful, that those com- 
mitted to your care may grow in knowledge and in favour 
both with God and man. 

Be exact, and let no word escape or action be observed 
which can impair your influence. 

Be faithful to the end, and then hopefully anticipate 
the day when you and all your children may appear with 
joy before God's face in heaven. 






165 



ON IMITATION. 

Phrenologists have allotted certain portions of the 
head as the sites of the organs of imitation. 

Not entering into the philosophy of that science, we 
wish to treat the matter as one of the manifest exhi- 
bitions of mankind, under all the possible varieties and 
conditions in which men are placed. 

All children so soon as they begin to act exhibit it, but 
some in a much greater degree than others. It is the 
leading trait in the manners and actions of some persons, 
and to such it becomes a matter of considerable moment, 
in the influence it will exert on the faculties of the mind 
or the destinies of the life. 

Imitation of itself is a good, a power invested in us 
for useful ends, for by it all kinds of learning must be 
greatly facilitated. But is it not manifest that it is a 
power capable of fearful abuse, not only in influencing 
men to copy that which is evil, but where it may become 
an incubus on the free cultivation of the mind. 

It is also painfully borne out by numerous examples, 
that the foolish and eccentric, and often the evil are 
imitated, rather than the wise, the sober, and the good. 

How many who might have been respectable originals, 
have been very poor and inefficient imitators of others. 

Imitation then is a real good when wisely directed, and 
duly restrained, and when it invariably followeth after 
that which is good. 



166 



ON IMITATION. 



It is also well for men to place before them objects 
worthy of their emulation, especially in matters where 
they are personally deficient. 

Let the careless imitate the orderly ; the undecided, 
men of promptitude ; the indolent, men of activity and 
diligence ; the slow, men of quickness and despatch ; 
and all, the real good they behold in those around them. 

Be ye followers of that which is good, the infallible 
word of truth inculcates, and it also presents a variety of 
characters worthy of our devout and earnest imitation. 

Imitate the piety and sincerity of Abel, the first mar- 
tyr ; the uniform devotion and holiness of Enoch ; the 
believing and practical obedience of Noah ; the 
mighty unwavering faith of Abraham ; the unwearying 
earnestness, and prevailing importunity of Jacob ; the 
conscientiousness of Joseph ; the heroic magnanimity 
and heavenly meekness of Moses ; the persevering 
courage and fidelity of Joshua ; the calm and dignified 
patience and integrity of Job ; the spirit of divine com- 
munion displayed by David ; the consistency and faith- 
fulness of Daniel. 

The stern and holy self-denial of the Baptist ; the zeal 
and energy of Peter ; the holy love and fervour of 
John ; the wisdom and unwearied assiduity of Paul ; in 
one word, the pious simplicity, and one-hearted liberality 
of the first disciples of the cross. 

But more especially, all the divine and heavenly 
graces, and perfect virtues, as presented in the life of him 
who hath " left us an example that we should tread in his 
steps." 

In him all excellences are found concentrated. In 



ON IMITATION. 167 

him all lines of truth and purity meet. In him all ful- 
ness of holiness doth dwell. 

Then imitator, as a docile pupil be ever found sitting 
at his feet, hearing his words, imbibing his spirit ; and as 
the sheep doth gladly follow her own shepherd, so follow 
him in all the imitable paths of goodness. 

Imitate his love to God ; his deep continuous devo- 
tion ; his zeal to glorify his name. 

His constant perseverance till all his Father's will he 
had accomplished. 

Imitate his lowliness, his self-denial, his spirit of 
meekness, gentleness, and infinite compassion to our race. 

Imitate his tenderness, his sympathy, his never- 
ceasing goodness, his ever-flowing bounty, his patience, 
resignation, and mercy to his vilest enemies. 

And if thou wouldest successfully the Saviour copy, 
then seek his Spirit and the rich supply of grace, that 
the ability may be given, to do all things he requireth, so 
that thou mayest be gathered among those, who do follow 
the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. 



168 



ON MUSIC. 

Music is the harmony of sounds, the sweet vibrations 
of melody. It seems to be the joyous buoyancy of 
nature, and the symphonious utterance of all the works 
of the eternal. 

When God had laid the foundations of our world, and 
was rearing the stupendous fabric ; then the morning 
stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted 
aloud for joy. 

Milton represents our first parents while clad in the 
vestments of their original purity, rejoicing in the works 
of the divine artificer. 

t " These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, 
Almighty ! thine this universal frame, 
Thus wondrous fair : thyself how wondrous then, 
Unspeakable ! who sits above these heavens 
To us invisible, or dimly seen 
In these thy lowest works, yet these declare 
Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine. 
Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, 
Angels ; for ye behold him, and with songs 
And choral symphonies, day without night, 
Circle his throne rejoicing ; ye in heaven, 
On earth join all ye creatures to extol 
Him first, him last, him midst, and without end." 

The antediluvians combined with the expressions of 
their vocal praise, instruments, such as the organ and the 
harp, which were devised and executed by the skilful 
hand of Jubal and his sons. 



music. 169 

One of the earliest effusions of sanctified music was 
the song of Moses and Miriam, when Pharaoh and 
his horsemen and chariots " sank like lead in the mighty- 
water s." 

Thus too, Deborah the prophetess of the Lord, cele- 
brated in inspired strains, the overthrow of Jabin and 
Sisera. 

David the ruddy son of Jesse, intermingled the varied 
strains of music with his eventful history. As when the 
wild and simple pipe expressed his joyous feelings as he 
followed his flock on the plains of Bethlehem ; or when 
with artistic skill, his harp soothed the angry spirit of 
Saul. But especially did he excel, when the spirit of 
inspiration rested on him, and he sang the praises of God 
in Zion. 

How ecstatic his emotions, as he exclaimed, " Awake 
up, my glory ; awake, psaltery and harp ; I myself will 
awake early. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the peo- 
ple. I will sing unto thee among the nations. For thy 
mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the 
clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens : 
let thy glory be above all the earth." 

How exalted was his mind, and seraphic his feelings, 
when his theme was king Messiah. Hence in his song 
of loves he breaks forth. 

" My heart is inditing a good matter ; I speak of the 
things which I have made, touching the king; my 
tongue is the pen of a ready writer." 

The wise preacher with the fire of inspired and lofty 
devotion burning on the altar of his heart, composed the 
song of songs. 



170 



MUSIC. 



Many of the predictions of the ancient seers were 
given to the church in all the beauty of glowing imagi- 
nation, and with all the rapture of sanctified song. 

The angelic choir hailed in celestial strains the advent 
of the Messiah ; while the plains of Bethlehem resounded 
with the gracious melody of " Glory to God in the 
highest, and peace on earth, and good will towards men." 

And even the solemnities of the Saviour's eucharistic 
meal, were followed by the pathetic strains of mournful 
praise. 

In psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, the mem- 
bers of the church at Corinth, with understanding and 
joyfulness of heart, did edify each other. 

And in the gloomy prison at Philippi, the scourged 
and suffering preachers of the cross sang songs to God 
amid the midnight hours. 

Thus too, the historian noteth of the primitive disciples 
of the Lord, that early on the first day of the week, they 
met to speak of him who loved them to the death ; to 
celebrate the mystic meal, and then with songs of joyful- 
ness, to proclaim his praise. 

And how has music in her purest strains, been the 
hallowed handmaid of religion ! How, in the rural 
worship of the patriarch, and the solemn services in the 
tabernacle of old, and in the temple, 'mid the overwhelm- 
ing sublime grandeurs, has music given her rich inspiring 
aid to cheer the worshippers ! 

And how, in thousands of assemblies, every Christian 
sabbath, do untold numbers lift their heart and voice in 
highest strains of pure exalted praise, to celebrate the 
glories of their God ! 



MUSIC. 171 

And hallowed spiritual songs are heard where'er the 
Christian missionary unfurls the banner of the cross; 
and when the knowledge of the Lord shall spread o'er 
all the earth, then from the rising to the setting sun shall 
Jesus' name be lifted high in rapturous strains of holy 
joy and praise. 

There is a world where sacred music spreads its 
charms and pleasures, 'mid countless hosts of seraphim 
and cherubim, of angels, dominions, thrones, and powers. 
And apostles, martyrs, and confessors, 'mid myriads of 
the saints beatified, and where in richest euphony, and 
with majestic grandeur, even as the sound of many 
waters, the walls of heaven resound with the burden of 
that song, " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to re- 
ceive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and 
honour, and glory, and blessing ;" and when the lofty 
chorus repeats, " blessing, and honour, and glory, and 
power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto 
the lamb for ever and ever." 

How often have the influences of music been per- 
verted ! In pandering to the wicked rites of idol wor- 
ship ; in leading on the cruel hosts of earthly warriors ; 
and in cheering for the slaughtering deed, the battle host. 

How often has it been enlisted in the cause of silly 
mirth, and vapid folly, and bacchanalian riot. 

How often too, have sensual themes been wafted on its 
balmy wings ! 

But let not its perversions make thee out of love with 
it, for music is the accompaniment of all Jehovah's 
works and wonders on the earth below, and in the highest 
heavens. 



172 



MUSIC. 






And if thou dost dislike it, then never lift thine eyes 
on high, or hearken to the music of the spheres ; medi- 
tate not on all the starry host, which in splendorous 
trains bespangle the high vault of heaven, 

" Ever singing, as they shine, 
The hand that made us is Divine." 

Then listen not to the sublime roaring of the foamy 
cataract, or the noisy billows of the sea ; for here with true 
sublimity and with awful sounds doth music lift her voice. 

Nor ever hearken to the balmy zephyrs, or to the 
sweet and meandering streams, as with purling accents, 
they fall below thy feet. 

And take no heed to the feathered choristers of hill 
and dale, of field and grove, which make the very air 
a world of gay harmonious joy. 

The pleasure music gives, is surely worth thy having, 
whose tenure here is held on sorrow's lease, and whose 
accompaniment to the grave is toil and trouble. 

Oh yes ! it is thy privilege, to have the soul of music 
in thy spirit, imparted with the gladness of Jehovah's 
joy and favour, to the child of heaven. 

And as thou journeyest onwards towards the better 
land, beguile the way, improve thy mercies, lighten thy 
heavy heart by adoring hymns of grateful praise ; and 
thus return to Zion with sacred songs and everlasting joy 
upon thine head. 

And often realize by faith's mysterious power, the joy- 
ful day when thou shalt stand before the radiant throne 
of Christ on high, and celebrate through endless ages, 
the wonders of his dying love and boundless grace. 



173 



BOOKS. 

Nearly three thousand years ago, Solomon affirmed, 
that of making many books there is no end. 

If this was a truth when books could only be multi- 
plied by the hand of the scribe, how, if it were not a 
contradiction, has the endlessness increased by the aid 
which the printing press supplieth and machinery fur- 
nisheth. 

We reckon books among the sweetest luxuries of our 
world, and we would dispense with some of its supposed 
necessaries, rather than be deprived of them. But books 
are of many kinds and divers uses. Many have been 
the media of conveying evil from mind to mind, and 
thus have been the common sewers of filth and pollution. 
Many have had their origin in foolishness, and have 
depended on the children of folly for patronage. Some 
tend only to frivolity ; some to excite and gratify the 
imagination ; some to act as opiates on the conscience ; 
and many as instruments to enable the progeny of in- 
dolence to murder time. Some books have the 
anomalous power of issuing good and evil ; fresh water 
and salt. Some books seem to be of doubtful tendency, 
and others to have no tendency at all. 

Many books have originated in the necessities of the 
writer — others in the whim of the publisher — and a great 
number have sprung up to suit the signs of the times. 

No man living, could be accurately acquainted with 
the titles of all the books which are presented to the 



174 BOOKS. 

public ; much less with their tendency and contents ; and 
less still, with their style and value. 

To be benefited by books, therefore, there must be a 
wise selection, adapted to our mental exigencies, and 
suited to our peculiar condition. 

Miscellaneous reading may fill the mind with lumber, 
but will rarely supply the material of mental growth, or 
intellectual vigour. 

In the choice of books, select those most suited to in- 
struct, to edify, and improve. Good books will invaria- 
bly leave their influence in an improved understanding, a 
sounder judgment, a better conscience, and a happier 
heart. 

When in a world of books, there is so much really 
useful, and very much really exalting, and not a little 
holy and sanctifying ; is it not evident indiscretion to 
spend the talent of money, and greater talent of time, 
and still weightier talent of reason, in perusing those 
which have none of these attributes to recommend 
them. 

While philosophy reasons, and science explains, and 
history relates events, and biography introduces us to the 
illustrious and great of every age and nation ; is it not 
seeming folly to be thirsting for fiction, revelling in the 
marvellous, or being overwhelmed with the horrible ? 

With sacred poetry to elevate, and ethics to improve, 
and Christian truth to spiritualize ; who would do homage 
to the novelist, and thus forsake the manna of heaven for 
the apples of Sodom. 

Good books are closet counsellors, family friends, and 
way-side companions. In these we may have the most 



BOOKS. 175 

dignified guests, the noblest society, the safest guardians, 
and the wisest friends. 

By books we have intercourse with the dead, and fel- 
lowship with the living, and assistance and consolation 
from both. 

Be more anxious for truth than style, for matter than 
the order, for edification than pleasure ; but the books 
that excel in all, may well have thy first preference and 
attention. 

Judge not of a book by its size, for some pocket 
volumes contain really and intrinsically more than folios ; 
the question should be the amount and kind of ore, and 
not the extent of the field that contains it. 

Some books should be read with care and many 
pauses, while others may be traversed with all the speed 
thy mental powers will bear. 

It might be well to ascertain the profit that the book 
just read has yielded ; if much, a re-perusal may be truly 
wise ; if little or peradventure none at all, why then to 
better cisterns, have recourse. 

Good books make known to thine acquaintance, that 
they may taste the streams which thou hast drank. 
Beneficence may oft convey her kindly gifts effectually 
in books. For who can tell the influence a godly volume 
may exert on many a reader. 

But books and reading are themes so full, that he who 
would treat the subject at length must write a book to 
teach the way of rightly using other books. 

Then just a word or two, if books are worth the read- 
ing, they should convey light to the mind, deepen the 
stores of wisdom in the soul, exert a cheering influence 



176 READING. 

on the spirit, improve the character, make life more holy, 
more useful, and more happy, and raise the soul more 
ardently to seek and long for true enduring knowledge, 
and higher intellectual treasures in the world above. 



READING. 



Reading is a power which modern education has con- 
ferred on millions ; a power fraught with the elements of 
mental elevation and enjoyment ; yet like all other 
talents, it may be neglected, abused, or wisely employed. 

The dissipated, the frequenters of the tavern, and the 
race course, rarely read, except the sporting intelligence 
of the day. 

Others only read that which patronises evil, and 
disseminates scepticism, profanity, and folly. 

How many read to excel in vice, and to be ring-leaders 
of the more youthful, or less experienced, votaries of sin . 

The wise employment of this power is that for which 
all the friends of morality, truth, and religion should be 
concerned. 

Let thy reading be adapted to thy station in society, 
the calling in which providence hath placed thee, or the 
sphere in which thy talents may be most efficiently 
employed. 

Appropriate books, and a course of reading directly 
adapted to thy mind and situation, are of highest 
moment. 



READING. 177 

Unless most of thy time may be directed to this object, 
select the more leisure seasons, when the mind is free 
from embarrassing thought, and distracting cares ; for 
these will be invaders that will mar thy pleasures, and 
rob thee of its best rewards. 

If thou canst, let thy reading hours be regular, and 
guard against intrusions. 

If ignorant on the subject which thou resolvest to in- 
vestigate, then read the simplest elementary books within 
thy reach. 

The first branches are most difficult, and the easier 
the steps are the better. 

If the subject is worthy of the time and labour, then 
afterwards read the best and most elaborate treatises 
thereon, and know the whole thou art capable of know- 
ing. 

There are books which may safely intervene between 
more grave and weighty subjects. These, are as a dessert, 
or as condiments, to more substantial things. But beware 
that they only rightly season, and fill not up the place of 
better things. 

Read with candour ; but let not blind credulity, bind 
thee as a captive to the chariot wheels of any writer. 

Enter if thou canst into the end and spirit of the 
writer, thus thy communion with him will be intimate 
and joyous. 

Read not to carp and show thy quick capacity at find- 
ing fault. 

Read not to bolster up a character for bearing with 
thee stores of learned lore ; but rather read in quiet 
modesty, to hive the more than golden treasures. 



178 READING. 

Read not so much or long, or at distressing seasons, as 
to injure health, or weaken sight ; for that reading must 
confer a treasure rare, and vast, and biding, that can 
provide a substitute for these. 

Read not so much in other books as to neglect the 
only one that heaven hath sent, or God hath given, or 
man received, to show the path of immortality and life. 

And next to this, the lives of men of true renown, 
of holy eminence, and real celebrity. 

Of men of intellectual greatness, of sound morality, 
adorned by Christian virtues, of simple yet sincere devo- 
tion — self-denial. 

Men of rich benevolence, and active goodness. O yes ! 
read of these until sacred emulation fill thy soul. 

Read books pertaining to the works of nature, and 
government of God. 

Read often what will lead thy soul to greater diligence 
in heavenly things, more fit for blessedness in life, and 
greater blessedness beyond the grave. 



179 



MORAL COURAGE. 

Moral courage is the fortitude which enables its pos- 
sessor to do right in the face of ridicule, and scorn, and 
opposition. 

Many a man has stood unmoved in the midst of fear- 
ful physical peril, who has shrunk from the world's laugh 
with confusion and dismay. 

How often have the pointed witticism, the sarcastic 
sneer, like barbed arrows, poisoned the mind, destroyed 
its peace, and produced moral agony and wretchedness. 

And wherefore arises all this pain and torture, but 
from an undue and morbid estimation of the opinion of 
mortals like ourselves. 

It were not well totally to despise the estimate which 
others entertain of us — nay a good name is intrinsically 
precious; but enslaved indeed is he who suspends his 
peace and comfort on the breeze of popular opinion. 

A reference to God should be the leading principle of 
the soul : what he may think of us, how we can obtain 
his pleasure, and secure his favour, and this in purity 
maintained will lead us to think of human estimate as 
but, at best, a secondary thing. 

For is it not a truth, that his behests are often counter 
to the course the world approves ? Hence no man can his 
faithful servant be, and crouch and tremble before the 
opinions and views of men. 

The fear of man ensnares and subjects to a tyranny 
most vile, and odious, and oppressive. 

i 2 



180 



MORAL COURAGE. 



Now moral courage resting on a sure and holy basis, 
treats with indifference the noisy censure or disesteem of 
ungodly men. It dares to act alone, and holds its head 
erect, and soul in high and noble dignity ; as Paul, who 
stood calmly the apostle of his Lord and Saviour in the 
Areopagus of Athens, surrounded by an audience of 
learned idolaters. 

Moral courage before the judges, in whose hands are 
placed the destinies of human life, dared to protest 
against obedience to those laws which contravened the 
laws of God, and nobly cried, it is better to obey the 
Lord than men. 

It was moral courage that supported Christian martyrs 
who with placid countenance and soul serene, could 
calmly see the fiery pile enkindled, which one unholy 
word of sinful compromise would have quenched. 

And this courage is often tested in the young disciple 
of the cross, who feels that piety will not accord with 
worldly associates, or wicked company, and who breaks 
his fellowship with evil doers, and goes to join the 
scorned and hated servants of the cross. 

The main supports of moral courage, are holy fear of 
God, and faith that receiveth all his word as truth, and 
rests upon it with unwavering constancy. 

A firm persuasion that obedience to his will is right 
and best in every state and trial ; and that good must 
ever result from constant trusting on him. 

That things of sense and time, though near and often 
terrible in aspect, are but flitting shadows ; and that the 
real and permanent, relate to future and eternal things. 

What matters it, if men the scornful finger point, if 



MORAL COURAGE. 181 

God approves and blesses ? or if wicked tongues malign, 
if God his heavenly favour gives, and will confess and 
own us his, before assembled worlds ? 

What matters it, if the person be imprisoned, if the 
mind be free, and breathes the air of holy liberty ? or if 
the limbs be manacled, if the soul walk at large in sunny 
paths of heavenly delights ? 

What matters it, if we stand alone the butt of folly's 
ridicule, and all around contemptuously despise us ? The 
path of wisdom and of holy joy is not affected by the 
paucity of those who travel in it. 

The good in every age have been a small minority, 
compared with those who travel with the crowd in paths 
of sin and folly. 

Then this be thy concern, to know the truth, to estimate 
it above all earthly treasure, and however high the price 
to make the purchase, and hold it fast ; approving it by 
purity of conscience before the Lord, and confessing it 
with moral heroism before a world that hated unto death 
the Prince of Truth, and nailed him as a martyr to it, on 
the ignominious cross. 

Be not ashamed then of thy Lord, or of his testimony, 
or of his people, or of his cause ; but hold a good and 
bold profession fast, until that day when Christ will own 
and glorify his people before his angels, and the as- 
sembled race of man. 



182 



ON PUNCTUALITY. 

Punctuality or exactness is worthy of the particular 
regard of all persons, for it concerneth all ranks, classes, 
and conditions of men. 

Punctuality is akin to order ; and order has been said 
to be heaven 7 s first law, at any rate it is distinctly per- 
ceptible in all the divine works with which we are con- 
versant. 

Want of exactness in the heavenly bodies in accom- 
plishing their evolutions, would distract, if not destroy 
the harmony and uses of the worlds which are connected 
with the solar system. 

The exactness of the tide is one of the most important 
principles connected with all that concerns the navigation 
of the seas. 

The exactness of the rising of the sun, influenceth the 
correctness of time, and preserves an accurate measure 
of duration. ; 

In all the physical laws with which we are acquainted, 
exactness or punctuality is one of their leading and essen- 
tial attributes. 

And who can estimate the confusion, disorder, and 
misery, which arises from want of punctuality among 
intelligent beings. 

Property is often destroyed, enjoyment perverted, and 
life in innumerable instances sacrificed, for want of 
punctuality. 

Such also give themselves a thousand extra duties, 



ON PUNCTUALITY. 183 

besides incalculable annoyance, who disregard the law 
of punctuality. 

A letter one instant only too late for the post ; or a 
traveller one minute only behind the setting out of the 
train, or sailing of the ship, may produce an amount of 
vexation and disappointment, the which, days of attention 
cannot remove. 

Some are punctual in what they deem great matters, 
others punctual in nothing, and the few punctual in every 
thing. 

To be punctual only in great things, is to forget that 
often the weightiest affairs turn upon apparently the 
smallest causes, and that the lesser wheels in the watch 
are as necessary to a correct movement as the largest. 

Those who are punctual in nothing, should dwell only 
with each other, and ought not to be allowed to distract 
the harmony and good feeling of the world by their 
disregard of regularity. 

The punctual not only have a personal advantage in 
their varied pursuits, but they generally command the 
admiration of others; for however men may neglect 
punctuality themselves, they esteem and commend it in 
others. 

No marvel that so many should fail in business, that 
so many students should but partially succeed in mental 
culture, that so many worshippers should derive little 
profit from their church-going, that so many families 
should always be in confusion, and that so many persons 
should be reaping only mortification and disappointment 
from unsuccessful pursuits ; one brief sentence would 
often explain the enigma — want of punctuality. 



184 



ON PUNCTUALITY. 



The punctual in general, will do more than others ; 
and it will in most cases be done better. 

The dilatory schoolboy, the indolent servant, the loiter- 
ing wife, the negligent husband, and the forgetful master, 
ought all to become diligent students in the school of 
punctuality. 

In business transactions, in pecuniary engagements, in 
social visits, and in all matters sanctified by promise, we 
should earnestly and constantly aim at punctuality. 

There is often a tide in the affairs of men, but the dis- 
regarded of punctuality are frequently only witnesses of 
its ebbing. 

Many are the causes which lead to a deficiency in 
punctuality. 

A disorderly conducting of affairs may be considered 
the first ; for want of method renders the simplest things 
intricate, and difficult of execution. 

Attempting too much at once, instead of aiding, re- 
tards real progression ; for there are few so gifted with 
tact, to do more than one thing really well, at once. 

Precipitancy in making engagements, without having 
duly weighed the various contingencies therewith con- 
nected. 

But the chiefest of the causes, is the want of a deep 
impression of its value and importance ; let this be en- 
graven on the mind, and every cause will then speedily 
give way. 

Then if thou wouldst not disturb society by thy 
thoughtless eccentricities ; if thou wouldst not be rebuked 
by the material laws around thee ; if thou wouldst not 
lose thy due weight of influence in society ; nor impair 



A CHAPTER ON ANOMALIES. 



185 



thy true mental and moral currency, set thy mind in 
order, and be exact in all thy plans, and carry out with 
unvarying precision thy various schemes, and then 
having earned — wear the honours of a punctual man. 



A CHAPTER ON ANOMALIES. 

The best of men are but men at best, and perfection 
pertaineth not to frail and sinful beings. 

In the character and lives of unrenewed men, we look 
not for conformity to the divine law, or resemblance to 
the divine image, or the exhibition of a holy spirit. 

But if we say that we have received Christ, " then," 
says the apostle, "we should walk as* he also walked." 

Alas! how striking are the blemishes of the truly excel- 
lent of the earth, and how numerous the anomalies which 
are daily exhibited. 

These inconsistencies and incongruities are often traits 
in the character of the more superior, among the visible 
disciples of the Saviour. 

Look at it in reference to men's sympathies and 
emotions. 

One man weeps over the sufferings of the enslaved 
negro abroad ; but he is insensible to the appeals of the 
oppressed and famishing at home. 

Another man gives his gold freely to send the mission- 
aries of mercy to the utmost regions of the earth ; but he 

i 3 



186 A CHAPTER ON ANOMALIES. 

labours not for the instruction or conversion of the 
pagans around his own doors. 

One class of men sympathise and aid physical suffering 
only ; a second are only interested in the mental cultiva- 
tion of the ignorant ; and a third, feel only for the moral 
improvement of the vicious. 

One man advocates cheap bread ; another, wash- 
houses and cleanliness ; and others, the spiritual instruc- 
tion of the irreligious. 

Some men give their gold freely to alleviate wretched- 
ness, but by their calling or traffic, are daily adding to 
the scene of human degradation and misery. 

Some men are for alleviating the punishment of the 
prisoner, but consider his moral improvement as only of 
secondary importance. 

Many subscribe to the hospital, the penitentiary, and 
the asylum; but never contemplate or support any 
scheme for the prevention of causes, by which such 
institutions are rendered so necessary. 

Some men have heads to devise benevolent schemes, 
but have not hearts liberally to support them. 

Many there are who clamor for the extension of human 
rights, who are despots at home, and exercise their 
tyranny, wherever they can do so with impunity. 

Many have got rich by unrighteous means, and then 
to make amends, when they die, they build a school, or 
endow some other benevolent institution. 

Some are kind at heart, whose manner is repulsive ; 
while others seem to expect courtesy to be a substitute for 
principle, goodness, or charity. 

How many profess the generous and peaceful religion 
of Jesus, and yet at best are bigoted sectarians ; who 



A CHAPTER ON ANOMALIES. 187 

have denunciations for all men who refuse to pronounce 
the shibboleth of their own party. 

From whence arise these anomalies of character ? 
Is it from the undue elevation of some particular 
principle, or doctrine, or virtue ? Or, is it the result of a 
circumscribed view of the comprehensive claims of the 
law of God, and of true religion ? Or, is it the result of 
limited attainments in divine things ? Or the want of a 
more entire and spiritual consecratedness to holiness and 
God? 

These anomalies do not exist in the system of Chris- 
tianity ; for that is one perfect, beautiful, and harmoni- 
ous whole. 

Nor in the precepts of the Saviour ; for these include 
all that is pure, and elevated, and benevolent in morals. 

Nor in the nature of the gracious covenant ; for here 

the means of Christian holiness are plenteously provided. 

Nor is it want of efficiency in the Holy Spirit, whose 

influences are effectual to the meetening of the saints for 

the inheritance of light. 

No ! it arises from contracted views of what religion 
involves ; from a low state of religious feeling ; and the 
apathetical pursuit of the things which pertain to our 
everlasting peace. 

Doubtless there have been characters, in whom anoma- 
lies were only visible to the omniscient eye of Deity ; 
and to imitate these in uniform excellency and spiritual 
devotedness, is our duty and privilege, as it will also be 
our dignity, joy, and salvation. 

Now the God of peace " make you perfect in every 
good work to do his will, working in you that which is 
well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ." 



188 



ON CONSCIENCE. 



Conscience is that power or faculty by which we 
judge of our own moral acts, and pass sentence thereon. 

So that every moral action is either approved or con- 
demned by conscience. 

It is conscience that gives distinctness and weight to 
human responsibility ; for it exercises its control over 
every human being. 

Yet we are not to conclude that this inward moral 
sense has passed unscathed by the influence of the fall, 
and the introduction of sin into our world. 

For just as the understanding and judgment and affec- 
tions have been impaired or polluted, so the conscience 
has not all its primeval purity or pristine excellency. 

Yet as the other powers still answer to some extent the 
end of man's being, so the conscience is still adapted 
to promote his real well-being. 

Men of all grades of knowledge, from the philosopher 
to the savage, and of all countries, give evidence of the 
working of conscience within them. 

Yet we see the power of conscience is very varied in 
different men, in some being more vivid, acute, and influ- 
ential than in others. 

The conscience of every man is either in a state of 
progressive improvement or deterioration ; and to cherish 
tenderness of conscience is alike the duty and interest of 
all men. 



ON CONSCIENCE. 189 

The scriptures speak of an evil conscience, that is, of a 
conscience unrenewed, and under the influence of guilt 
and pollution. 

They also reveal to us a conscience that is seared, so as 
to be past impression, and no longer susceptible of 
healthy emotion. 

It is evident that conscience is inadequate to its task 
when ignorant of the right rule of action, or when 
dwelling in the atmosphere of superstition. 

The heathen are thus circumstanced, and hence the 
responses of their consciences are erroneous and delusive. 

A good conscience is one of man's most precious 
blessings ; for with it there is a continual feast of enjoy- 
ment, and a certain ensurance of real bliss. 

But a good conscience has been renewed and sanctified 
by the blood of the cross, and illumined by the light of 
the gospel, and made healthy by the influence of the 
truth. 

A good conscience is tender as the apple of the eye ; it 
is ever watchful and vigilant, and ever speaks with the 
authority of him whose vicegerent it is in the soul. 

A good conscience will have respect to the divine cha- 
racter, the divine law, and the divine approbation. 

It estimates the divine favour as better than life, and 
rejoices in the light of his reconciled countenance. 

A good conscience will also respect our fellow men, 
and have regard to the rights of others. 

It will be equitable, exact, and benevolent : it will de- 
light in the exercise of kindness, mercy, and compassion. 

Christian perfection is the having a conscience void of 



190 ON CONSCIENCE. 

offence both towards God and men ; and to exercise our- 
selves to this end is the great work of practical and 
acceptable piety. 

A bad conscience is the plague -spot of the system, and 
the viper in the bosom : it is the victim's present tor- 
ment, and the misery which is ominous of the pains of 
the gnawing worm for ever. 

How often hath conscience spoken out in accents of 
terror to the guilty, and rendered life a load of misery 
too intolerable to be borne. 

It was this that invested with ten-fold horror the 
writing on the wall of Belshazzar's palace, that caused 
Felix to tremble on the judgment seat, and drove the be- 
trayer of the Redeemer to self-destruction, and to his 
own place. 

It hath filled many a dying pillow with thorns, and 
encompassed the entire of the dark valley of death with 
hideous spectres. 

It will be the main tormentor of the finally lost, and is 
the true worm that expireth not in eternity. 

Let thy conscience be conversant with the light and 
truth of revelation. Let it hearken to the mandate of 
thy God, and ever be a listener and learner at the feet of 
Christ. 

Let conscience be encouraged in the exercise of its 
high vocation, and be its admonitions ever received with 
meekness and respect. 

Obey it, and heaven will smile upon thee, and its 
sunny beams will promote the fruitfulness of thy soul, 
and the true felicity of thy spirit. 



ON MYSTERIES AND FACTS. 191 

It can make earth even as heaven, and give thee 
heaven's first fruits, whilst thou art travelling in the 
dreary deserts of time. 

It can make thee so happy that none can make thee 
miserable, or so wretched that none can make thee 
joyous. 

It can irradiate or darken the horizon of thy soul. It 
can bless or curse thee. 

It can be thy ministering angel, and celestial attendant ; 
or thy haunting demon and hideous spectre, constant- 
ly affrighting thy distracted soul. 



ON MYSTERIES AND FACTS. 

Many persons have rejected the Christian religion on 
the alleged ground of the mysteries it contains, and have 
thought themselves rationally justified in so doing. 

Such a conclusion however must be the result of a 
prejudiced spirit, an only partially enlightened mind, a 
perverted judgment, or a depraved heart. 

It is frankly admitted that the Christian religion is one 
inseparably allied to deep and profound, yea, inexplicable 
mysteries. 

But has the rejector of revelation ever reflected that 
deists in believing the existence of one infinite and 
supreme God, admit one of the most incomprehensible of 
all mysteries into their creed. 



192 ON MYSTERIES AND FACTS. 

For what mind can grasp the immeasurable thought of 
one eternal, almighty, and universal Spirit ! the creator, 
and the preserver, and the governor of all things. 

No mystery can be more sublime or immeasurable than 
this : and this is but the first link in a chain that is pro- 
foundly wonderful, and immeasurably incomprehensible 
throughout. 

The kind, the nature, and the medium of the divine 
influences in creating and sustaining the universe. 

The link which connects him with his creatures, and 
the deep and indelible impressions he has stamped on the 
consciences of intellectual and accountable beings. 

The simplicity and grandeur of his laws in reference to 
the physical parts of the world — where, where shall we 
stop, 'tis mystery surpassing all the powers of the human 
understanding. 

But the sceptical mind often erreth in supposing that 
Christianity requireth a belief of the nature of the mys- 
teries revealed, instead of a belief simply as to their 
reality. 

The man who doubteth, let him first examine with 
care and candour the evidence of the truth and authen- 
ticity of the scriptures, and pronounce thereon proven or 
not proven. 

If his verdict be not proven, then our reasoning on 
mysteries must be unavailing, but if his verdict be 
proven and he agreeth in the divinity of the scriptures, 
then our observation on mysteries may do some service 
for him. 

For what do the scriptures require of me in reference 
to mysteries ? not that I comprehend what is incompre- 



ON MASTERIES AND FACTS. 193 

hensible, or grasp what is infinite, or understand what is 
above my perceptions. 

But they require me to admit the truth which the mys- 
tery sets forth, not to elucidate it. 

Hence the representation of the unity and trinity of 
the Godhead are most distinctly revealed ; but this being 
beyond the power of my understanding 1 am required to 
believe on the testimony of God, and not to know the 
how and the wherefore, by the finite powers of a man. 

If it be said that to believe what we do not clearly 
understand be puerile and fanatical, then do I appeal to 
the thousand things by which I am surrounded as an 
answer to the derogation. 

I believe in the immateriality of my mind, but cannot 
lucidly describe it. I believe in the influence of mind on 
matter, and again of matter on mind, but know not how 
it is. I believe in the connexion of mental emotions with 
the senses, but cannot explain it. 

Now if we have sufficient evidence of the truth and 
inspiration of the scriptures, then do we not decide as to 
truth and error by bringing its themes to the ordeal of 
our reason, but by ascertaining their clear and manifest 
existence in the book thus received as the word of God. 

But while Christianity requires of its disciples the re- 
ception of mysteries, it is most pre-eminently a religion 
of facts ; and these facts have essentially to do with the 
most spiritual doctrines of the gospel. 

There is the fact of Adam's fall and apostacy from 
God, and there is the doctrine of man's depravity as the 
necessary result of bearing the likeness of the mind of 
our first sire. 



194 



ON MYSTERIES AND FACTS. 



There is the doctrine of man's utter helplessness to 
restore himself to holiness ; and there is the fact that all 
history supplieth in its confirmation. 

There is the doctrine of the atonement, and the fact 
of Christ's actual death as the substitute for sinners. 

There is the doctrine of Christ's suretiship ; and 
there is the fact of Christ's resurrection, as demonstrative 
of his sacrifice being accepted of God. 

Now these facts constitute the essence of the gospel ; 
are to be preached by the messengers of mercy, and all 
who believe them are justified freely by divine grace. 

It is presumed, that the believer in these facts neces- 
sarily feels the emotions of sorrow for sin, love to the 
Saviour, hatred of evil, and obedience to the will of God. 

Thus the gospel is the testimony of the facts con- 
cerning Christ, and his death and resurrection ; and faith 
in these facts bringeth salvation to the soul. 

Cavil not then at the mysteries thou canst not under- 
stand, but receive them as they are revealed ; even as 
thou dost not cavil at the mysteries of nature, but 
wonderest and adorest. 

Accept with implicit credence the facts that are certi- 
fied ; and thus thou shalt enjoy the blessedness of the 
man whose iniquities are pardoned, and whose mind, by 
the power of truth, is savingly renewed. 

When thou hast resolved all the mysteries within thee, 
and all the mysteries which the visible universe fur- 
nisheth, then mayest thou marvel that thou canst not 
resolve all the mysteries of the scriptures. 

But even then thou shouldst remember, that the world 
of mind and thought, must ever be less clear and palpa- 



ON PREJUDICE. 195 

ble to beings clad with earthly bodies, than the world of 
matter of which their senses take cognizance. 

" Secret things belong unto the Lord ; but the things 
which are revealed, to us and to our children." 

Much that is now difficult, thou wilt more clearly 
understand as thou advancest in thy celestial and up- 
ward course ; but there are themes which clouds will 
envelope, until thou shalt lay aside thy mortal coil, and 
bask in the refulgent beams of eternal day. 

Be satisfied, — what thou knowest not now, thou 
shalt know hereafter. 



ON PREJUDICE. 

Prejudice is an unfavourable state of mind arising 
from prepossessions which have been formed without due 
care and examination. 

Hence this feeling is often evinced towards persons and 
things of which its votary is extensively ignorant. 

Prejudice is evidently a thing of mist and twilight, and 
not the creature of the light and day. 

Its origin often is ignorance or misapprehension ; its 
spirit, that of precipitancy or rashness; and its influ- 
ences, therefore, tend to error and evil. 

National prejudices, have often been so deep rooted, as 
to have isolated their inhabitants from each other, or to 
have kept them in a state of warlike combustion, ready 
for conflict and revenge. 



196 ON PREJUDICE. 

Ecclesiastical prejudices, have made enemies of the 
disciples of the same Saviour, and have lit up in almost 
every land the fires of persecution. 

Prejudices of class, have not only separated the rich 
from the poor, but often placed them in an attitude of 
envy and unfriendliness towards each other. 

Prejudices against creeds and systems, have frequently 
grown into sectarian dislikes, bigotry, and personal defa- 
mation. 

Personal prejudice, has often been grounded on the 
features of the countenance, on the sound of the voice, or 
even on the gait of the individual. 

Prejudice is awakened in some, by names and appella- 
tions to which their own vague minds have attached igno- 
rant or erroneous distinctions. 

Often the conduct of one individual has excited preju- 
dice against the party to which he was attached; and 
thus tories and whigs, churchmen and dissenters, have 
been equally charged and condemned on the delinquency 
of one of their order. 

Prejudice is pestiferous to the powers of the mind, as 
it warps the judgment, and deceives the mind. 

It is a sin against society, and contains the elements of 
injustice and malevolence. 

It is a heinous transgression against God, whose laws 
demand the exemplification of equity, goodness, and 
charity. 

Prejudice is often as foolish as it is evil, but its influ- 
ences are blighting, anti-social, and irreligious. 

The antidote to prejudice is candour, which never 
dealeth in inuendoes, nor cherisheth suspicion, nor 



ON PREJUDICE. 



197 



thinketh evil without a cause, but rejoices in purity, 
goodness, and truth. 

Much of prejudice is traceable to the spirit of party, 
which is conveyed to the mind by the teacher of youth, 
and by the preacher of religion, as well as by the pen of 
the historian. 

The customs of society, and the conversations of the 
social hearth, often tend to engraft it upon the youthful 
mind. 

How dire and awful have been the effects of prejudice! 
It hath often crushed the rising genius — impeded the 
path of the virtuous — blasted the reputation of the excel- 
lent — and beclouded the prospects of the most deserving. 
It hath influenced juries in their verdicts, and judges 
in their decisions, and legislators in their enactments. 

It hath often excited popular tumults,- and hurried men 
on to deeds of violence, fury, and bloodshed. 

It was prejudice that prevented many of the Jews from 
examining the credentials of the Messiah ; that blinded 
those who heard his discourses and saw his miracles ; 
and which led the sanhedrim to seek for his condemna- 
tion and death. 

It was this that excited the people to demand Barab- 
bas in preference to Jesus ; and which filled the air of 
Jerusalem with the malignant exclamations of, " Crucify 
him ! crucify him ! " 

How utterly inconsistent is it with reason, and how 
totally repugnant to revelation. 

How it should be loathed and abhorred ! How men 
should seek its annihilation in themselves, and its over- 
throw and extinction in the world ! 



198 



ON PREJUDICE. 



Then, the pagan would hearken with simplicity to the 
missionary's theme of the cross ; and the Romanist read 
and judge for himself out of the unadulterated volume 
of truth. 

Then, the coloured man would be hailed as an equal 
and a brother, and slavery would retire to her native do- 
mains of darkness and cruelty. 

Then, every man would be the friend of his species, 
and all distinctions would be swallowed up in generous, 
overflowing, and universal charity. 

Then, the second table of the law would be exemplified 
in the experience of every human being — " Thou shalt 
love thy neighbour as thyself," 

In the scriptures, prejudice is reprobated $ in Christ's 
holy and benevolent life it was practically condemned, 
and it is utterly excluded from that world, where nothing 
that defileth or injureth can enter. 

Prejudice is a practical falsehood, and it must be finally 
doomed to the dwelling where will be consigned " all that 
loveth and maketh a lie." 

Reader ! judge not merely by appearances ; nor judge 
before the time; nor decide by prejudging; but ever in 
this, as in all thy transactions with thy fellow men, carry 
out the divine maxim, by " doing unto others as thou 
wouldest they should do unto thee." 



199 



ON RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION. 

u Put up thy sword again into his place," was the per- 
emptory command of Christ to Peter when he had drawn 
it for the defence of his Lord and Master. 

Even the sacred person of the Saviour was not to be 
defended by the power of a carnal weapon. 

How much it had been for the church's purity and 
real prosperity, if this principle had ever been thoroughly 
understood, and consistently maintained. 

The early followers of Jesus had to encounter persecu- 
tion from the Jewish authorities, from pagan rulers, and 
from the rude and excited populace. 

In these instances we see sin, and Satan, and his 
votaries, openly allied, and conflicting with truth and 
holiness. 

Surely this might have sufficed, and while the world 
must ever be the foe of the spiritual church, the followers 
of Jesus should have been the devoted and affectionate 
friends of one another. 

But alas ! regal patronage and state control have ever 
given to the party in the ascendant the authority to 
oppress, and often openly to persecute those who could 
not conform in all things to the state religion. 

This commingling of the earthy with the heavenly, the 
precious with the vile, mammon and truth, has been one 
of the foulest stains on the history of the visible church 
of the Redeemer. 

But however kings or magistrates, priests or councils, 



200 ON RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION. 

may have sanctioned their oppressive enactments, they 
are utterly discountenanced by the Author, the letter, and 
the spirit of Christianity. Jesus sanctioned no other 
weapon for the defence or the diffusion of his gospel, 
than the truth. 

The letter of the divine statutes enjoins to all men, love, 
goodness, and mercy : and the spirit and genius of the 
Christian religion is glory to God in the highest, and 
peace on earth, and good- will towards men. 

The darkness of error must be chased away by the 
celestial beams of truth ; and the rebellion of the heart 
must be subdued by the constraining influence of the love 
of Christ. 

Men are to be enlightened, not coerced ; entreated, not 
threatened with penal statutes ; and if obdurate in the 
maintenance of error, yet they must be the objects of our 
compassion, as to their " own master they must stand 
or fall." 

Ours, is to instruct, exhort, entreat, and warn: it 
pertaineth to God alone to punish, for vengeance be- 
longeth exclusively to him. 

Error or sin in the church must be brought under the 
discipline which Christ has appointed, which, under no 
aspect, invests with authority to punish beyond exclusion 
from the privileges of fellowship with the disciples. 

Persecution, therefore, is based on a wicked and arro- 
gant assumption of the divine prerogative, as God hath 
never given lordship of conscience to another. 

The fire of persecution is the fire from beneath, and 
agreeth with the spirit of the wicked one ; the fire from 
above is that of love, which blesses and curses not. 






ON RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION. 201 

Persecution must ever defeat itself, for mind can no 
more be acted upon by brute force, than inanimate matter 
by an intellectual harangue. 

Persecution may multiply the number of hypocrites 
and the superstitious, but moral suasion only, can bow 
men to the authority and will of God. 

Persecution ! whence thy authority ? from whom thy 
commission ? what the character of thy credentials ? 

A holy God never commanded thee to injure thy 
fellows ; Christ's commissions refer only to works of 
piety and mercy ; and the credentials he furnishes are the 
graces and fruits of his own Spirit, which prayed on Cal- 
vary for his very murderers. 

Persecution is of hell, and is enkindled by the spirit of 
him who tempted Cain to slay his righteous brother. 

The emblems of Christianity are the lamb, not the lion 
— the dove, not the vulture. 

Persecution is presumption against God — a crime 
against humanity — and a libel on religion. 

Persecution may appeal to antiquity for precedents — to 
councils, for patronage — to state enactments, for authority 
— to the sword, for its enforcements — but the Saviour, or 
revelation, or Christian principle, can have no lot nor 
part in the matter. 

Would we that others should persecute us — manacle 
our limbs — incarcerate our persons — or take away our 
lives ? If not, then how can we consent for these things 
to be done to others, whose rights, and freedom, and lives, 
are equally sacred and precious with our own. 

Persecute not with thy tongue, or it is evident if thou 

K 



202 ON RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION. 

hadst opportunity a more deadly weapon would be 
employed. 

Persecute not by thy spirit, by cherishing a bigoted 
state of heart towards thy fellow Christians ; but let love 
have the ascendency, and breathe peace and charity 
towards all men. 

Among the persecuted, what a glorious line of holy 
men, from Abel to the prophets — from the prophets to the 
Baptist — from Jesus to Stephen — and from Stephen to 
to the last of the apostles — and from the apostles to 
the time of Constantine — and from Constantine to 
Luther — and from Luther to the puritans — and from the 
puritans to the missionaries of the cross, in the islands of 
Madagascar and of the Southern seas. 

Heaven's most exalted ranks have been filled up with 
those who have come out of great tribulation, and washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood of the 
Lamb. 

For the persecutor, without repentance unfeigned, there 
can be no hope of divine mercy ; and for the persecuted, 
there are reserved the joys and dignities of co-heirship 
Avith Christ, in the glories which eternity shall reveal, 
" For if we suffer with him we shall also be glorified 
together." 



203 



ON CUSTOM. 

Custom or habit is one of the despots who exercise a 
universal influence ; and by whose ubiquity and power 
people of all realms and nations are held in degrading 
vassalage. 

Few have the moral courage necessary to their eman- 
cipation, and therefore the mass, hug their chains as 
though they were the emblems of honour and hap- 
piness. 

Custom is presented to us in thousands of varied and 
conflicting forms. 

What is considered the perfection of beauty and pro- 
priety in one country, is associated with the disgusting, 
and even the loathsome in another. 

Custom has sometimes ventured to sanctify physical 
deformities, and in other countries to enjoin the means of 
procuring them. 

Custom has alike patronized cleanliness and filth ; that 
which is natural, and that which is artificial ; that which 
tends to health, and that which tends to disease ; that 
which elevates, and that which debases ; that which adds 
to the sum of bliss, and that which adds to the increase 
of misery. 

The tattoed Indian, the coloured Hottentot, the totter- 
ing lady of China, and the rouged belle of Europe, 
are all so many varieties and specimens of custom's 
votaries. 

Custom brandishes the tomahawk of the savage, bears 
about the stiletto of the Spaniard ; denominates the brute 
k 2 



204 



ON CUSTOM, 



power of the Englishman, science; and reckons the 
deliberate aim of the duellist, as the acme of earthly- 
courage and honour. 

Custom has legalized fraud, even in the commerce 
of human beings ; it has extolled the warrior as a 
patriot, and denominated the field of gore and horror, 
the bed of glory. 

Custom has ever been reiterating the cry of revenge, 
and notwithstanding the direct and merciful bearing of 
the New Testament code, clamoureth loudly for blood, for 
blood. 

Custom has established her empire in the senate, on 
the bench, and in the jury-box. 

She has her advocates in the courts of law ; her in- 
struments of service in the prison — in the penal settle- 
ment — and on the gallows. 

Custom influenceth the merchant on the 'change, the 
tradesman in his shop, the mechanic in the factory, and 
the labourer in the field. 

Custom sets up her rule in the cathedral, and often 
swayeth her sceptre in the chapel of the dissenter, and in 
the meeting-house of the friend. 

Custom controlleth the multifarious exercises of the 
house-wife, and has her altar in the kitchen, the sitting- 
room, and the sleeping apartment. 

Custom has the patronage of the larder, of the wine- 
cellar, and of the dining-room. 

Custom has been the oracle of toasts, and the presiding 
genius of the bacchanalian board. 

Thus it has been the panderer of appetite, and the ally 
of intemperance, riot, and profligacy. 



ON CUSTOM. 



205 



Many customs are gross and impure ; others, foolish 
and extravagant ; others, expensive and ruinous ; and 
not a few, debasing and destructive. 

Some customs are superstitious ; others cruel, and de- 
rogatory to the intellectual and moral character of man. 

Man as an intellectual being, should be guided by 
reason ; as a moral being, by principle ; and as an 
accountable being, by revelation. 

There may be customs of small moment, and others of 
beneficial tendency ; but in all things, let wisdom direct 
thy steps, and utility be the end of thy course. 

Let not custom be the regulator of thy life, much less 
the imposer of thy creed. 

Men are accountable to society and to God for their 
personal actions and influence ; therefore, let it be thy 
aim to be found a good and faithful steward of what 
heaven has committed to thy trust. Especially, see to it, 
that customs do not deteriorate thy physical, mental, or 
moral character ; that they do not blind thy conscience, 
and prevent thy improvement. 

Let not thy habits be injurious to those around thee, 
or pestiferous to the world in which thou livest. 

Be it thy aim to add to the sum of the intelligence, 
the morality, and the happiness of thy species. 

Be it thy end to glorify God in all things, whose thou 
art, and whom, by the most weighty obligations, thou art 
bound to love and serve. 

A scriptural faith, a sanctified heart, and a holy life, 
constitute the elements of that character which God will 
accept and bless. 



206 



ON JUDGING OF CHARACTER. 

We cannot live without coming in contact with a 
variety of characters ; and therefore to have a true 
method of estimating them is desirable and important. 

Some persons estimate with their eyes, others with 
their ears ; some with both, others with neither. 

The eye often erreth, and the ear often deceiveth ; and 
therefore an infallible judgment is not ensurable from 
them. 

We cannot live and board with all we know ; and if 
we could, years would be requisite to ascertain principles, 
and draw sure and correct inferences. 

Some men, like the shallow brook, are easily 
fathomed ; but others, like deep waters, are with diffi- 
culty sounded ; and some set human investigation and 
analysis at defiance. 

In labouring to understand others, we should bring to 
the ordeal discernment, experience, candour, and charity. 

Much knowledge may be gained by a vigilant discern- 
ing eye, and an attentive ear : but this should pass 
through the fiery ordeal of past experience and general 
observation, and then with a candid and charitable spirit, 
the conclusion may be drawn. 

Expect not too much from any man ; remembering 
thine own frailty and imperfections. The sun has his 
dark spots, and the moon her deep shadows, and few 
days pass over without the fairest horizon, being dimmed 
by the flitting cloud. So man at his best estate, pertain- 
eth to sin and vanity. 



ON JUDGING OF CHARACTER. 207 

Let charity ever aid thee in the judgment which thou 
formest. Weigh well all circumstances, and let not 
mere suspicions or surmisings turn the scale against 
thee ; but rather where'er thou canst, extenuate and think 
the best. 

Consider no man vile because one frailty cleaveth to 
him ; nor no man hopeless, morally, however fallen ; for 
who is without fault? — And grace divine, can change 
and elevate the most degraded. 

Some men do trumpet forth their praises, and laud 
and recommend themselves : in many cases this should 
lead to scrutinize the coin they wish to pass, for were it 
manifestly good, their praises were unneeded. But often 
this ariseth from a mental kind of weakness, or from a 
tendency to vanity, and in all points else, they may be 
sound and worthy of respect. 

But ever guard against the flatterer, whose tongue is 
dipped in oil, and whose smooth words are often to be 
dreaded more than the loud and boisterous din of 
anger. 

And watch also with careful vigilance, those who seem 
to have an overflowing stock of words, and deal them 
out without discretion ; no one should have thy con- 
fidence, whose tongue is unsubordinated to stern integrity 
and truth. 

It would be useless surely to speak of fleeing those 
who deal in calumny; and who can ply their half- 
expressed and half-suppressed insinuations, or who 
enviously detract from the well-earned fame of those 
around them. 

If truth or generosity be only questionable residents, 



208 ON JUDGING OF CHARACTER. 

it would indeed be wise to seek for social converse, or 
friendly intercourse elsewhere. 

But if truth, and love of truth be deep implanted 
principles, it would be strange indeed to find a rotten 
structure resting thereupon. 

Let not a homely garb, or tongue whose speech is 
rude, or dialect provincial, lead thee to presume that 
ignorance or want of worth is there. For there are 
many peasants, children of nature's true nobility, men 
of Stirling honesty and principle, who would accept no 
bribe to do a mean degrading deed. 

The eye of Deity often discerns among the poor, 
whose education has been limited indeed, a sense of 
sterling conscientiousness, a glowing heart of goodness, 
and a hand of liberality, which ministereth most freely, 
as it may possess ability. 

And many are there who in costume, manners, and 
estate, and we may add in learning and polite accom- 
plishments, should be men of true intrinsic excellence, 
whose want of principle, and inherent baseness, bring 
them down as fit companions for the most degraded of 
mankind. 

Judge not then by appearance, but weigh the moral 
elements of the character, as developed in the uniform 
and well sustained actions of the life. 

But where a doubt prevails, pause, or let charity 
throw in her casting vote ; or wait until that day when 
light eternal shall make every character and heart trans- 
parent to God and angels, and the countless myriads 
standing round the final bar of doom. 



209 



ON ANGER. 

That uneasy excitement which is denominated anger, 
is not always evil in itself; but the evil of anger ariseth 
from a tendency of mind to it ; from being easily brought 
under its dominion, and from allowing it to be a welcome 
resident in our bosoms. 

Be not soon angry, and be not angry without a cause ; 
and remain not under its influence ; are maxims which 
come to us clothed with the authority of heaven. 

A proud spirit, and a froward and unsubdued heart, 
are the chief causes of precipitate anger and hasty 
wrath. 

The humble, meek, and lowly are not easily provoked, 
and cherish not false estimates of their pre-eminent ex- 
cellencies and importance. 

A man incapable of anger is manifestly deficient in 
some of the emotions which belong to our nature, and 
friendship with such an one would be as undesirable as 
with the man who is soon angry, or angry without a 
cause. 

An angry man carrieth about him the coals of strife, 
and on any emergency, his own breath enkindleth there- 
with the fire of wrath. 

Anger is the highway to many sins, and the downward 
path to complicated sorrows. 

If thou wouldest be dignified and happy, useful and 
respected, an ornament to morality and a witness for 
religion, then be not " hasty in thy spirit to be angry." 
k 5 



210 ON ANGER. 

If thou wouldest be the joy of thy family, the beloved 
of the social circle, and the useful disciple of Jesus, 
avoid an angry spirit ; and tread in his steps who was 
meek and lowly in heart, and therein thou shalt also find 
rest to thy soul. 

Yet there is an anger which thou mayest cherish ; an 
anger against thyself for thy want of wise discernment, 
for thy lack of prudence, for thy deficiency of duty, for 
thy lingering progress in the way of truth, and for thy 
unfruitfulness in the things pertaining to thy God. 

Against thyself be angry, for the remembrance of 
wasted time, perverted mercies, and abused immunities 
and privileges which the goodness of thy God hath given 
thee. 

Be angry with thyself that thou so often hast been 
angry without a cause, and thaf' thine anger has so 
often burned against others instead of thyself. 

And anger may be manifested against the evil which 
surrounds thee. Be angry with oppression, but oh, pity 
in thy soul the ruthless spirit of the oppressor. 

Be angry with sin, but let thy bowels of mercy yearn 
over the sinner, and imitate him who when he had pro- 
nounced the woes on the impenitent Jews, finished the 
affecting scene by weeping over their devoted city. 

Yet righteous anger must be vigilantly guarded or it 
will degenerate into unholy wrath, and be the guilt and 
misery of him who cherisheth it. 

Remember that the righteous governor of the universe 
will deal to all men according as their works shall be ; 
and therefore be not hasty in thy spirit for vengeance to 
come upon thine adversary. 



ON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. 211 

Cherish a pacific and benignant spirit, and let patience 
have its perfect work, so shalt thou enjoy sweet serenity 
arising from a heart environed by gentleness and love. 



ON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. 

The punishment of criminals ought ever to comprise 
three ends : — the vindication of the law's authority ; the 
protection of the community ; and the reclamation of the 
offender. 

Mercy mingled with justice, will most effectually in- 
sure these ends being accomplished. 

Severity will render the laws abhorrent, and make men 
loath to inflict their penalties ; will thus increase the risk 
of society being injured by the lawless, and will exaspe- 
rate the worst feelings of their hearts, against those who 
make and enforce them. 

Laws of benevolent aspect being easily enforced and 
carried out, will prevent men calculating on successful 
evasion, will be maintained by the suffrages of all classes 
of society, and will exert a kindly influence on the hearts 
of those who are to bear their penalties. 

Men are not to be amended by coercion or physical 
force ; and in the most vicious there are latent feelings, 
which if elicited may tell on their improvement and 
elevation. 



212 ON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. 

The highest penalty attachable to the violation of any 
law, is the punishment of death. 

It is quite clear that in the infliction of this punish- 
ment the reclamation of the offender is relinquished ; so 
that, if our three points with which we set out be all 
essential elements in justly inflicted punishments, then, 
the taking of human life is wrong to the individual, as it 
renders his improvement impossible. 

Besides, it equally violates our first principle, where 
we hold, that mercy should always be connected with 
judgment. And all experience proves that it does not 
more effectually secure the protection of the community. 

Appeals have been made in favour of capital punish- 
ments to the Levitical economy : but who that pleads 
the punishments of that temporary dispensation, would 
advocate the putting to death of all and sundry, who 
should irreverently disobey their parents — blaspheme the 
name of God — or violate the sanctity of the sabbath ? 

I confess that to put to death the murderer, has been 
the custom of most civilized nations, and that the feelings 
probably of the mass, would favour the punishment. 

It must be conceded too, that scripture phraseology 
is very strong, on shedding the blood of the man who 
hath shed the blood of another. 

But is it evident that the spirit and genius of the gos- 
pel, and New Testament dispensation, will warrant the 
maintenance of that divine command, any more in the 
case of the murderer, than in those other instances to 
which capital punishments were originally attached ? 
We think not. 

The spirit of the gospel is that of pre-eminent good- 



ON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. 213 

ness. It enforces mercy, and not severity ; it urgeth 
kindness, not wrath ; it demandeth forgiveness, not 
revenge. 

But can it be said by any parity of reasoning, that 
goodness, or kindness, or mercy is shown to the man 
whose life is cut off, and who, by the hand of the execu- 
tioner is hurried into eternity ? 

However vile the criminal, or crimson- dyed his 
crimes, yet he is an accountable creature ; his soul is 
of boundless price ; his destiny must be one of eternal 
weal or woe. 

Christianity demandeth that every effort should be 
made to save his soul from death, and hide the multitude 
of his sins. 

But amidst the anxieties and horrors of a public 
execution, how hard the task to procure that calm and 
tranquil state of mind essential to reflection, and to true 
repentance unto life. 

Besides, no chance is afforded for the proofs of real 
reformation being given, or of restitution being made to 
the laws so violated. 

Our land indeed hath cause to blush and weep o'er her 
monstrous sanguinary code of laws ; — laws, which until 
recently, handed to the public executioner, and strangled 
on the gallows in the light of day, the man who pur- 
loined a paltry sum of worthless dust, or stole a sheep, or 
fixed his name unfaithfully to bill or bond. 

And thousands who might have been restored to moral 
health and soundness, have been hurried out of life, 
without a thought or care as to their fitness for 
futurity. 



214 ON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. 

Thus God's fair image, which sin hath marred, but 
not effaced, hath been trampled on by laws that might 
have had their origin in all the smoke, and fury, and re- 
venge of hell beneath. 

Happy are our eyes that have witnessed those statutes, 
written as with blood, extensively obliterated, and the 
escutcheon of our nation's glory, in some degree purged 
from her crimson stains. 

But yet we plead for the entire abolition of the delibe- 
rate work of death. 

Let no man be the hired servant of the state to strangle 
one, for whom the Lord of glory died. 

Even let the murderer live ; but so confined, that his 
hand can ne'er again inflict a deed so horrible. 

Enfettered as a heinous culprit, let him toil out a life 
of guilty degradation, and wait the summons from the 
Judge of all. 

And let the moral teacher visit him, and ply his con- 
science with eternal truth 5 let mercy thus be mingled 
with his punishment, and by the blessing of the Source 
of every good, he may be won, and live to show his 
soul's compunction and abhorrence of his crimes. 

Facts have well proved that seeing men expire as 
objects of vindictive punishment, has never softened those 
who have commenced a course of lawlessness ; that men 
have robbed each other with the suspended body of a 
fellow criminal before their eyes ; for fear is but one 
means of deterring men from crimes, and generally one 
of the smallest efficacy. 

If capital inflictions were abandoned, then worthless 
men would not escape convictions from juries who had 



ON THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. 215 

rather break an oath, than leave a man to die through 
the verdict they would give. 

Then too, our legislators would awaken to the great 
importance of preventing crime, and raising men by edu- 
cation and religious means, from a state of exposedness to 
temptation's baits. 

Instead of licensing some thousands to dole out the 
liquid which inflames the brain, and excites to every 
deed of sin, and thus to people jails and hulks, they 
would abhor a revenue arising from a nation's profligacy, 
and strive to stem the tide of inebriation, and raise to 
dignified sobriety the myriads of the realm. 

Let Ireland's moral reformation show to legislators, 
moralists, and all who love their fellow men, how crime 
may be prevented, and how the office of the executioner 
may extensively become a sinecure. 



216 



ON INTEMPERANCE. 

Intemperance is defined, excess in meats, or drinks, 
or passions. 

A man may have an intemperate spirit, or give way 
to intemperate practices. 

Gluttony is intemperance in meats; inebriety is the 
consequence of intemperance in exciting drinks. 

Moderation is the rational and scriptural rule in the use 
of lawful things — abstinence in reference to things of evil 
or even of doubtful tendency. 

An immoderate use of any created good is a perversion 
of it, and thus the blessing is converted into a curse. 

Abstemiousness in meats is conducive both to health of 
body and vigour of mind. Repletion renders medicines 
necessary. Rigid moderation may in the main dispense 
with them ; but intemperance in drink not only produces 
disease, but the train of its dire results is one of sorrow, 
wretchedness, and woe. 

It is the panderer to every vice — the patron of shame 
— the herald of misery — the instigator of crime — and 
the premonition of early decay, of premature death, and 
everlasting destruction. 

Intoxicating drinks insidiously undermine the powers 
of the mind, and the strength of the body, and the com- 
forts of life. 

They first overcome the natural dislike — nature's anti- 
pathy ; they then become agreeable ; afterwards, neces- 
sary, and often ultimately ruinous. They flatter, fasci- 
nate, and destroy. 



OX INTEMPERANCE. 217 

The physical influence of these intoxicating drinks is 
to increase the action of the heart — hurry impetuously 
through the system, the fluid of life — quicken the pulse 
— excite the brain — redden the countenance — and if per- 
sisted in, spread impotence or temporary paralysis over 
the whole frame. 

Yet how diverse in appearance the effects they produce. 
Of one they make a companion for swine — of another, a 
serpent — and of a third, a tiger ; one is transformed into a 
filthy nuisance — another, into a fool — and a third, into a 
madman ; one grins with idiotcy — and another raves with 
fury. 

What miseiy intemperance produces in the social circle 
— breaking the hearts of fathers, mothers, and wives ; 
overwhelming with shame sisters, and children, and 
friends ! 

How it is the main auxiliary to insubordination, vio- 
lent assaults, and blackest crimes ! How it tends to em- 
bezzlement, theft, manslaughter, assassinations, murders, 
and suicides. 

It crowds the police offices with cases, the prisons with 
inmates, the calendars with criminals, the hulks and 
penal settlements with convicts, and the scaffold with its 
sacrifices. 

It filleth the poor-house with paupers, the penitentiary 
with vagrants, the hospital with diseased, and asylums 
with the insane. 

It is directly hostile to education, industry, science, 
learning, and religion. 

It is unfavourable to useful trade, to social order, and 
to a nation's prosperity. 



218 ON INTEMPERANCE. 

Its trophies have been gathered from all generations ; 
it has been the curse of most countries, and the immedi- 
ate destroyer of unnumbered millions of beings. 

It has corrupted the youth — degraded the father — and 
polluted the mother and the wife. 

It has entered into the sanctuary of God — increasing 
apostates — impeding truth — preventing conversions — and, 
in some cases, has degraded the deacon and elder from 
his office, and blotted out the stars of the churches. 

It had gone forth in its career of blackness, crime, and 
woe, and cursing, without direct opposition, until men 
conspired to assail it, and wisely became pledged to effect 
its annihilation. 

Thus its crowded ranks have become thinned, some of 
its champions reclaimed, and the cause of sobriety and 
happiness extended. 

Men may use stimulating drinks without excess, but 
not without injury. 

He who would be wise, safe, and happy, will avoid 
them altogether. If by using them philosophers, states- 
men, moralists, even divines have been overcome, who 
will presume on his own strength ? or depend on his own 
stedfastness ? Is it not vastly more desirable, to abstain 
even from the appearance of evil ? 

Let not appetite allure, nor customs enfetter thee ; but 
be resolved, at any rate, to escape the path of the intem- 
perate, the drunkard's death, and grave, and perdition. 



219 



ON MONEY. 

Money, says the preacher, " answereth all things ;" 
that is, in relation to trade, and commerce, and the attain- 
ment of most earthly enjoyments. Money is the sine 
qua non — the thing of indispensable importance. 

With money, under the ordinary events of life, may be 
obtained the daily bread, the suitable raiment, the com- 
fortable dwelling, the convenient furniture, and luxuries 
adapted to soften down the ruggedness of life. 

With money, mental lore may be obtained for the 
mind ; stores of ancient or modern intellectual treasures 
become our own. 

With money, we may enjoy the varieties, and recrea- 
tions, and instructions of travel; visit the memorable 
places of earth, and become acquainted with the inven- 
tions of art, and the productions of nature, and the 
wonders of science. 

With the aid of money, we may become familiar with 
all ranks, and be easily introduced into the highest orders 
of society. 

With money, we may purchase titles, obtain extraordi- 
nary distinctions, and be ever followed by the breeze of 
popular applause. 

Money is so dazzling, and withal, so mysterious in its 
influence, that it often stands instead of learning, or gifts, 
or principles, or worth. 

But money is a talent committed to our trust, and of 
which an exact account will hereafter be demanded. 



220 



ON MONEY. 



Perverted, abused, it will cover us with guilt and shame, 
and sink us into everlasting shades of dire adversity. 

If thou squanderest money, or divertest it from its law- 
ful and proper course, an injury is committed, which God 
will reckon robbery on the poor, the widow, and the 
fatherless. 

For money held as a deposit for the weal of others, 
may be fraught with blessings to those around us. It 
may lighten the load of anxious sorrow ; it may dispel 
the chilling winds of keen adversity ; it may bless the 
smitten child of poverty with gladness, and make the 
widow's heart to dance for joy. 

Money, with generous hand and prudent mind, ex- 
pended, may save from the untimely grave, and stop the 
desponding man who is hastening towards the steep of 
self-destruction. 

By means of money, interesting, useful, and sacred 
books may be diffused among the abodes of illiteracy, 
ignorance, and irreligion. Especially, that book of books 
which makes its earnest reader, wise unto eternal life. 

The money cursed and wasted in one flitting year, at 
the gambling board, the race-course, and the houses 
licensed to dispense the liquid fiery woes, would fill the 
world with that blessed volume, and give to every man, 
in his own tongue, the records of salvation. 

By money too, the ship is freighted with the band 
of holy men who cross the treacherous ocean — not to ex- 
plore an unknown continent — not to engage in lawful 
merchandize — much less in lawless war and rapine, but 
to proclaim to dying savages, and idolatrous hordes of 
men, the glorious gospel of the blessed God. 



ON MONEY. 221 

By money, schools may be built in every crowded dis- 
trict, to teach the rising youth the knowledge needful 
both for this life, and that which is to come. 

The world is rich enough for every work of kind hu- 
manity, of true philanthropy, and piety divine. 

But while children of this world supply with liberal 
hand their own, how scantily the treasury of our God re- 
ceives the tribute of his people. How many charities of 
highest worth, but linger on, and only linger, because they 
have not means of growth and vigour given them. 

Is it not strange that those who say they have found 
the peerless pearl of price, should show such strong 
attachment to the glittering dust of earth? that they 
should follow fashion's costly eccentricities, in dress, in 
furniture, and style of living, and should dole out with 
niggard hand to meet the claims of heaven and earth, of 
God and man. 

Such love of Mammon was not known by the early 
followers of the Lamb : they counted naught their own, 
but all things Christ's, and with joy to poorest friends 
they cheerfully dealt out as they had need. 

O Christian ! let not the love of filthy lucre chain 
down thy soul to earth, but if thou art indeed born from 
above, prove thy high original, thy celestial descent, by 
seeking treasures in the skies. 

No man of sordid mind or covetous heart, belongs in- 
deed to Jesus' family. 

The influence of the cross melts down the iciness and 
selfishness of human nature, and moulds it in the 
Saviour's generous image. 

The love of Christ constrains to deeds of goodness and 



222 THE RICH AND THE POOR. 

compassion, and thus laid out, thy wealth is lent unto the 
Lord, and he with ample interest will repay thee all 
again. 

But money idolized or wasted in the service of the 
world and sin, will fill thy dying reminiscenses with pain 
and horror, unless thou art become so callous by its 
withering influence, to feel no agony until thou knowest 
by sad experience, the gnawings of the deathless worm, 
and feel the kindlings of that flame that never shall 
expire. 



THE RICH AND THE POOR. 

In all ages and countries, the two distinctions of rich 
and poor have existed. It is equally clear that Divine 
Providence has to do immediately with these distinc- 
tions ; and that while God elevates one to the throne, he 
fixes another in the path of poverty and toil. 

Probably the amount of real enjoyment is not very 
dissimilar between them, though the kind and quality 
may widely differ. 

The poor have often health, vigour, and refreshing 
repose, and true contentment, which all the riches of the 
affluent cannot purchase, and which crowned heads may 
well envy. 

In the main, the less of the world, and the less anxiety 
as to its disposal and retention, and the less fear as to 
its dispossession. 



THE EICH AND THE POOR. 223 

With food and raiment, and the addition of a good 
conscience, real contentment may be possessed, and such 
may have a perpetual feast. 

It is a truth, that our real wants are few ; but when 
we pass from these to our ideal ones, the list increases 
as the sources of enjoyment are multiplied ; and as salt 
water increaseth the thirst, so increased worldly good may 
add to the intensity of the desires, but never satisfies them. 

But neither a state of riches nor poverty can be allied 
with true felicity, unless sanctified by the influences of 
acceptable piety. 

On the rich devolve many duties in connexion with 
their possessions, — as a right apprehension of the tenure 
on which they are lent — as to their right application, and 
as to using them without loving or perverting them, and 
as to faithful stewardship, which may be surrendered at 
last with joy and not with grief. 

Wealth is a talent, and on its wise and righteous appli- 
cation, eternal consequences are suspended. 

To be rich, and poor in spirit, and self-denying in life, 
men have often found to involve great moral conflicts in 
which the victory is with difficulty obtained. 

The rich have and hold their riches as the stewards of 
God, and the trustees of the poor, and indigent, and 
afflicted. Therefore it behoveth them to give freely of 
their abundance to him who needeth, and to do it 
heartily, and with delight as unto the Lord. 

The rich are often tempted to fancy that their wealth 
renders them independent ; while the truth is, that de- 
pendency necessarily increaseth as our worldly goods are 
multiplied. 



224 THE RICH AND THE POOR. 

Often the more riches, the more houses and lands, 
and hence the more servants and the more cares. 

Of what is the rich man independent ? obviously not 
of the poor. To them he must look for all the necessa- 
ries as well as the comforts of life. 

The monarch is served from the field, and the plough- 
man ministereth to the daily bread of the noble. 

From whence do we derive our food, and raiment, and 
fire, and furniture ; let the peasant, and the weaver, and 
the miner, and the mechanic, answer the interrogation. 

Our tables are laden with luxuries, but the slave and 
perilled mariner have provided and brought them for 
our use. 

The library at once contributes to our instruction and 
amusement, but how many sons of toil must expend 
their energies before we can possess a single pam- 
phlet. 

It is manifest then, that riches and dependence are in- 
variably allied, if not in the abstract synonymous. 

Then let these things be remembered by the rich ; and 
they will feel that kindness to the poor is a debt they 
owe, and not a favour they confer. 

Then will their spirit be gentle, and courteous, and 
benignant ; and their conduct bountiful and kind. 

Thus the rich will ensure the esteem, and the grateful 
love of the poor, and their influence for good be increased 
manifold. Thus too, will they ensure the favour which 
God has promised to those who consider the poor ; and 
reflect the image of the beneficent Father of all our 
mercies. 

By the poor a recognition of the hand of Divine Pro- 



THE RICH AND THE POOR. 225 

vidence in the arrangement of our concerns, is a subject 
fraught with the most important instruction. 

If God choose our lot, however comparatively small, 
it must be wise, and righteous, and good. Contentment 
with it, in a godly spirit, is great and indescribable 
gain. 

Sanctified poverty is direct conformity to the life and 
station of the world's Redeemer ; and few like him have 
nowhere to lay their head. 

Praise honours poverty, prayer sweetens it, and 
patience meekly acquiesces in it. 

Poverty can only be a degradation, when it is the 
result of extravagance or indolence ; and it is only a 
curse, when it lodgeth in an unsubdued heart, and pro- 
duceth an impatient and rebellious spirit. 

Let not the poor man envy the rich, for the prosperity 
of the wicked, is often a preparative for the day of 
slaughter. 

Remember, this is but their transitory state of being, 
and Lazarus the beggar was much more favoured in 
having his evil things here, and his good hereafter, than 
Dives who had his viands and purple for a day, and the 
evil of the divine wrath for ever ! 

Unite with poverty, prayer for all thy need, and be 
anxious for nothing, " and the peace of God which 
passeth all understanding, shall keep thy heart and mind 
through Christ Jesus." 

Poverty and affliction with the people of God, Moses 
preferred to the crown of Pharaoh, and the riches of 
Egypt, and the pleasures of sin ; for he had respect to the 
recompense of reward. 

L 



226 ON YOUTH. 

Let the rich kindly and generously employ the poor ; 
and let the poor freely and cheerfully labour for the rich ; 
and let mutual dependence promote mutual sympathy, 
esteem, and affection. " For the rich and the poor meet 
together, and the Lord is the maker of them all." 



ON YOUTH. 

It is scarcely possible to over-estimate the importance 
of youth. 

It is as the spring of the year ; and the summer's 
abundance, and the autumnal gatherings, greatly depend 
upon it. 

It is as the morning of life, and the succeeding day of 
our probation must be materially affected by it. 

How important are its bearings on the individual, and 
on the domestic and social circles of life. 

Its influences for good or evil relate to all time, and 
equally to all eternity. 

It is generally the key-stone of the personal building, 
and the foundation of weal or woe. 

On the principles and actions of youth, depend greatly 
the practices and experience of after-life. 

There are many things in youth to be studiously 
avoided, especially self-confidence, precipitate friendships, 
evil books, and unprincipled society. 

Self-confidence will lead to bitter dissatisfaction ; and 



ON YOUTH. 227 

rash friendships, to keen disappointments ; evil books, 
to moral contamination ; and bad company, to the adop- 
tion and practice of iniquity. 

Among the things to be avoided, we would also include 
the race-course, that scene of dissipation ; the theatre, 
with its deadly atmosphere ; the tavern, with its polluting 
influences ; the cigar shop, with its dissolute society ; 
and the gaming house, with its damning practices. 

We would guard our youth too, against assumed pom- 
pousness of manner, and pride of spirit, and vanity of 
heart. 

Against indolence that rust of the soul, and that 
tempter of the evil one. 

The morning hours of youth are too precious to be 
wasted ; its powers, too sacred to be perverted ; and its 
mental and moral concerns, too momentous to be 
neglected. 

How many in mature life have mourned over the in- 
fatuations of their early days, and have been made to 
bear the iniquities of their youth. 

How many momentous things there are in youth to 
be pursued ; the attainment of knowledge, and the acqui- 
sition of wisdom ; the adoption of sound principles, and 
the cultivation of a right practice. 

It is now habits should be formed, self-government 
established, and pure personal religion chosen, which 
will be the safety of the spirit and the ornament of the 
life. 

Most men of pious celebrity, have cried after celestial 
wisdom in their youth. 

We may presume thus of Abel, but it is evident in 
l 2 



228 ON YOUTH. 

Joseph, and Samuel, and David. We see it also in 
Jabez and Josiah, in Daniel and the Hebrew worthies, 
and in the disciple whom Jesus especially loved. 

Youthful piety is peculiarly acceptable to God, and is 
favoured with the energy and time, which the cause of 
religion requires from its disciples. 

The youthful Christian is generally active, zealous, 
and devoted. 

To youth we would say, diligently improve your ad- 
vantages, occupy usefully your time, and guard with 
jealous solicitude your reputation. 

Be gentle towards your juniors, respectful to your 
equals, deferential to your seniors, and courteous and 
kind to all. 

Reverence parental authority, and labour to increase 
the amount of parental comfort and joy. 

Act humanely as a man, rationally as an intelligent 
being, devoutly as a Christian, and humbly as one whose 
experience is at present necessarily defective. 

Seek the really good, and not the uncertain great ; be 
the disciple of utility, not of show; of moderation, not 
of ambition. 

Be thy companion, the bible ; thy friends, the truly 
religious ; thy Saviour Jesus ; that thy portion may be 
God's favour in time, and his glory for ever. 

Seek the divine blessing ; and thus if God be acknow- 
ledged, he will direct thy steps. Commit thy way to 
him, and he will bring it to pass. 

Labour to estimate all things according to the real 
value they bear ; and to know this, try them by the un- 
erring rule of God's holy and infallible word. 



ON YOUTH. 229 

Youth often errs by the cherishing of unreasonable 
hopes, without a due admixture of prudence and caution . 

Forget not that youth is mortal, as the sepulchres 
of the juvenile dead abundantly testify. 

Then let cheerfulness be united with seriousness, and 
joy with gravity, and activity with a life of holy waiting 
for the great momentous change, which awaits all the 
human race. 

Sound sense will carry thee through the secular scenes 
of the world ; sound principles steer thee safely amidst 
the sunken rocks and hidden shoals of thy earthly 
voyage ; and a sound practice, the result of sound faith, 
bring that voyage to a safe and joyous termination. 

From our youth, our senates of legislation, our courts 
of judicature, our halls of science, our academies of 
learning, our sanctuaries of religion, must be supplied. 

To them we look for the philosophers, patriots, philan- 
thropists, and preachers of the coming generation. 

Then may we labour to sound the true key-note, and 
make the right impression on our growing youth, and 
pray that " our sons may be as plants grown up in their 
youth ; that our daughters may be as corner stones 
polished after the similitude of a palace/' " Happy is 
that people that is in such a case, yea, happy is that peo- 
ple whose God is the Lord." 



230 



OLD AGE. 



Old age is venerable to the eye, and when united with 
wisdom and religion commandeth the esteem of all. 

But how sad and painful is it, to behold the hoary head 
accompanied with ignorance, neglect of holy things, and 
unpreparedness for the dread verities of a future state. 

The very aged compared with the multitude who die 
before they reach it, is truly rare, and remindeth us how 
vain and short is human life. 

No doubt that certain courses tend to premature old 
age, and there are many wicked who do not live out half 
their days. 

A plain and simple style of living, with early rising 
and abstinence from the inebriating cup : moderation too 
in meats — a cultivation of a cheerful state of mind — all 
tend to sweeten and prolong our stay on earth. 

But all the care that mortals sometimes use is vain ; 
and often the best and worthiest of our race become the 
inmates of an early grave. 

Long life was once the subject of God's promise, but 
that belonged to a dispensation especially allied to earthly 
promises. And while we can't dispute the tendency of 
true religion to multiply e'en temporal good, yet the pro- 
mises belonging to the gospel, rather tend to the un- 
measured joys and glories of the life to come. 

And it is certain too, that age, and sorrow, and pain, 
have long been wedded in indissoluble bonds. 

Man may outlive his dearest relatives and friends and 
become a stranger in his native place. He may outlive 



OLD AGE. 231 

enjoyment of corporeal blessings ; and weakness, infirmi- 
ties, and pain, may be left his sole attendants. He may 
survive until lie knows by evidences that cannot be dispu- 
ted, that he is viewed by many as an intruder on another 
generation. 

Besides, is it to be desired to outlive the capacity of 
receiving, or the power of doing, good. 

An aged, withered, earthly frame, is but ill fitted as 
the vehicle of the mental and the moral powers ; and if 
it be God's will, surely it is to be desired that the ethereal 
mind be clothed upon with that heavenly house, and to 
dwell with Christ is infinitely best. 

Sometimes old age is brought before us with such hues 
of loveliness upon it, that it seems a thing to be devoutly 
longed for. When the eye still shines with intellectual 
lustre ; when the coimtenance is stamped with the impress 
of true goodness ; when benignity still sheds its hallowed 
lustre o'er the face ; and when the speech is full of kind- 
ness, purity, and heaven. 

When like a shock of corn, the yellowness of full ma- 
turity is manifest ; when the lingering days of a rich and 
green old age are spent in acts of piety towards God, and 
in deeds of mercy to mankind. 

When the hoaiy pilgrim leaning on his staff proceedeth 
on his heavenward course, and looks with holy scorn on 
all the sublunary things of earth and time. 

Dignified ! thrice happy is the man, who thus can tell 
of threescore years acquaintance with celestial things : 
who contemplates with joy the way that providence hath 
led him, and who is waiting in hourly expectation of 
the coming of his Lord. 



232 



OLD AGE. 



Who treads with faltering footstep on the margin of 
the tomb, but ever lives by faith within the vestibule of 
heaven. 

How oft, alas ! is age presented to us laden only with 
the vices of a mispent life, — where sin has left its traces 
deep in every lineament of the face, — where threescore 
years and ten have been abused, perverted to purposes of 
wickedness and vile ingratitude, — where probation length- 
ened has been despised, and God's long suffering treated 
as divine indifference. 

Where passion has the ascendancy, and often where 
monstrous avarice holds in her iron grasp with increased 
tenacity, and sordid idolatry, the earthly dust of riches. 

Where conscience hath slumbered long, and all the 
emotions of the soul are deadened, and no concern is 
felt in reference to the everlasting destinies awaiting it in 
future worlds. 

Horrible, most horrible, is such a scene ! it resembleth 
the tree robbed of its verdure and its foliage, and smitten 
by the electric lightning, awaiting the woodman's stroke 
as only fuel fit for burning. 

For in that holy book where only truth is written, do 
we read, " though the sinner should survive a hundred 
years, yet shall he die accursed." 

Then aged reader, see to it that the end of thy pro- 
tracted life is answered ; that thou dost the fruit of 
righteousness bear unto old age ; that thou hast not lived 
in vain ; that thy memory may be enshrined in the hearts 
of the good and pious when thou shalt moulder with thy 
mother earth ; that thou hast a gracious title, and a holy 
meetness for a better world. 



EARTHLY MUTABILITIES. 233 

Thus favoured wait until thy Lord shall come, and 
then with joy take full possession of the rest thy God 
hath in love prepared for all his saints. 



EARTHLY MUTABILITIES. 

How graphically does the inspired teacher remind us 
" That the fashion of this world passeth away ! " and 
does not all histoiy establish the truth of this declaration ! 
On what can we fix the eye of contemplation, and say, 
this is permanent, and will not be affected by change ? 

Every where we see the fragments of former times, 
and the lingering remains of bygone glories. 

Ancient monarchies and empires that once stood forth 
arrayed in earthly stateliness and magnificence, had their 
rise and noon-day splendour, and then, some gradually, 
and others rapidly, sunk into decay ; and many have be- 
come obsolete, and are only imperfectly traceable by the 
aid of what history furnisheth. 

Those ancient cities of idolatry and learning in Egypt, 
Babylon, Nineveh, the Jerusalem of former dispensations, 
Herculaneum, Pompeii — who can linger around their 
sites or ramble among their ruins, and not perceive the 
fragility and uncertainty of earthly grandeur ? 

And has it not been equally so with human greatness ? 
How have princes and heroes been compelled to de- 
scend to the lowest stations of life. 

l5 



234 EARTHLY MUTABILITIES. 

A monarch one day ; a beggar, a slave, the next. 
A hero leading on the conquering host ; now a captive 
in degradation and chains. 

Rich, invested with splendour, and surrounded with 
fawning admirers ; and now the victim of adversity, and 
the subject of neglect or scorn. 

The youthful Hebrew under Pharaoh guiding all the 
affairs of mighty Egypt, the babe proscribed by mur- 
derous enactments, nourished in the royal palace — the 
shepherd boy of Jesse's family made monarch over 
Israel ; and on the other side the cruel Adonibezek, a 
mangled captive crawling 'neath his conqueror's table — 
the envious Haman exalted to the gallows he had reared 
for Mordecai — Job in solitary sorrow, with all his former 
earthly good a wreck — Nebuchadnezzar herding with the 
cattle of the field — the accusers of the holy Daniel given 
as the hungry lions' prey — Herod descending from his 
throne to be devoured alive by worms, are some of those 
instructive instances the scriptures furnish. 

And every history, sacred and profane, ancient or mo- 
dern, could the list of striking mutabilities extend. 

Happy in the enjoyment of the social blessings of 
life, with many gladsome faces to make the domestic 
circle joyous, now sorrowful and bereaved, and household 
gladness exchanged for grief and anguish ; hale and 
vigorous, buoyant with physical vivacity, now debilitated 
and reclining on the couch of sickness, a prey to lan- 
guishing and pain ; with many golden dreams of future 
days and years of brightness, and now in the midst of the 
illusive imaginings, smitten with the stroke of fell mor- 
tality, and consigned to the gloomy, silent tomb. 



EARTHLY MUTABILITIES. 235 

How vain then to reckon aught sure and stable that 
pertains to earthly things. 

The moon in all her waxings and her waning;s — the 
ever restless, flowing, ebbing tide — the querulous winds, 
and atmospheric constant changes, are not less certain 
than the varying scenes of earth and time. 

Thou ma vest know much of what is past, and some- 
thing of the present, but presume not to reckon what to- 
morrow will produce. 

Prosperity or poverty, joy or sorrow, health or sick- 
ness, life or death, is only known to him who is the great 
and wise Disposer and Arbiter of all things. 

To-morrow is pregnant with a thousand dire events, 
which if but known to-day would take away all present 
peace and joy, and overwhelm with horror and dismay. 

How wisely is it ordered that the events of the present 
only are allowed to press upon us, and these, by hopes of 
better days, are often borne with holy patience and calm 
submission to the will of heaven. 

Then forget not, reader, that the mutable of earth 
includeth all, — all that can be placed among our earthly 
good. 

I speak not now of honours, wealth, and things that 
gratify the senses ; I speak of friends beloved — of kin- 
dred dear — of bosom relatives ; I speak of health and 
vigour — of mental soundness; I speak of life itself. 

Oh ! fancy not that aught of these is to be reckoned 
on, but rather keep thy eye of faith on him who is the 
changeless, satisfying portion of his saints, his name — 
" I am," his great prerogative — " Who changeth not." 



236 



HEALTH. 

Who can tell the worth of health, or overvalue its 
influence on the physical, intellectual, and moral enjoy- 
ments of mankind ? 

It is the invisible source of beauty, the secret channel 
of vigour, the talisman of earthly bliss. 

It sparkles in the eye, blooms in the cheek, vermilions 
the lip, nerves the arm, and imparts elasticity and firm- 
ness to the gait. 

It gives buoyancy to the spirits, activity to the mind, 
and energy to the thoughts. 

It is the poor man's earthly portion, and the rich man's 
greatest luxury. 

It is welcome in every clime, and nourished on every 
hearth. 

Numerous are the blessings that follow in its train, and 
legion is the title of the ills that approach at its retiring. 

Few have it long, continuously, and in perfection ; 
and none ever its rightful value know, until its absence 
has taught the painful lesson. 

Some have maintained it in regions of infected air, and 
many have lost it in salubrious lands. 

When impaired, it is often of difficult restoration, and 
sometimes mines of gold, would have been given for 
its establishment. 

Many have trifled with it, and exposed it for exchange 
in every mart of riot and folly. 



HEALTH. 237 

Luxury is one of its direst foes, and sensual enjoyment 
its greatest enemy. 

Pamper thy flesh, and enervation and disease will soon 
be thy companion. Many dishes and delicious viands 
have often betrayed it with a Delilah's embrace, and a 
Judas -like kiss. 

Inappropriate costume has often exposed it, beds of 
down wasted it, and ease and mid-day indolence poi- 
soned it to its core. 

Art thou anxious to retain this priceless guest, this 
heaven-sent blessing ? — 

Avoid the midnight air, the over-heated room, the 
noxious atmosphere. 

Avoid late carousings, the rich spread banquet, and all 
excess. 

Avoid protracted slumbers, and delicate attentions, and 
the insidious cordial. 

Avoid the baneful stimulant, the sparkling cup, and 
the soothing opiate. 

Avoid the frequent use of drugs, for they create a ne- 
cessity for their continuance. 

Avoid distracting cares, especially that porch of hell 
— the gambling room. 

Avoid excessive passions. 

Avoid in meats and drinks, however tempting they 
may be, that which excites, inflames, and spreads a mad- 
dening influence, through all the channels of thy system. 

Avoid, if possible, protracted toil, continued watchings, 
and labours over much. 

Avoid a fretful pining state of mind, and discontent, 
that bane of every good. 



238 HEALTH. 

Avoid recurring scenes of guilt and flee from all that 
would defile thy conscience. 

Avoid the way of the transgressor, for that is health's 
antagonist, overcome by which men live not half their 
days. 

Avoid the idiotic thought that heaven will give this 
boon to men who live in violation of its laws. 

Seek it in the well-aired bedroom, and the hard mat- 
tress, and in the ambrosial breath of morn. 

Seek it in the homely meal, in useful labour, and in 
physical activity. 

Seek it in the chrystal stream, that living fluid sent by 
the Father of our mercies to be the beverage of mankind. 

Seek it in oft ablutions, and keep the pores, those 
countless avenues of health, well cleansed and braced 
in water from the spring. 

Seek it in joyfulness of heart, in virtue's paths, and in 
wisdom's ways. 

Seek it walking in the sunshine of purest mercy and 
true benevolence. 

Seek it in earnest prayer from Him, who giveth all 
things richly for our good. 

And yet perchance with all thy skill and care it may 
forsake thee. Then seek its only substitute — heaven's 
genial sunshine, God's most gracious smile, and hope 
well grounded of a blest and glorious immortality. 

These will console thee when earthly vigour fails, and 
these support when pains severe assail thee. Then, when 
heart and flesh shall fail, God, in whom thou trustest will 
sustain, and of thy heart the portion be, both now and 
ever. 



239 



BEREAVEMENTS. 

This is emphatically a world of change. All sub- 
lunary things like the panoramic scene pass away. 
Kingdoms are dissolved, empires vanish, and nations are 
no more. 

The social circle, the family hearth, are invaded by 
the king of terrors ; and friends and kindred are scattered 
like the leaves before the autumnal blast. 

The aged sire laden with threescore years and ten, or 
even fourscore years, like the rugged oak, venerable 
in his sphere, and reverenced by the generation growing 
up around him, at length yields up the ghost, and is 
buried with his fathers. 

The matron with her silvered locks and benignant 
countenance — the mother of a noble band, a household 
relic now, and prized and blessed by all around her, like 
the setting moon, sinks beneath the horizon and shines no 
more on earth. Her dignity now transferred, is seen in 
the step of many a noble-minded son, and in many 
maternal hearts, her gentleness and love still glow, and 
her mantle of domestic virtues now rests on those who 
fill the sphere in which she lived and moved. 

But what is this excites the wailings of a numerous 
class, where the young and the aged mingle their sighs 
together ? 

One in the vigour of his manhood, whose bones were 
full of marrow, and limbs apparently of iron or of mar- 



240 BEREAVEMENTS. 

ble — the fell blast of fierce disease assailed him, and there 
prostrated he lies a monument of earthly impotence and 
vanity. 

See too how desolated that Eden of domestic bliss, that 
garden where grow and thrive so many household flowers 
of loveliness. There the mother and the wife, font of so 
much joy, and centre of domestic hope and bliss to all 
around; yet as the sun, mid noon-tide splendour and 
meridian day, goes down at once. What blissful hopes, 
what cherished sweet anticipations are there, enshrouded 
in the veriest darkness. 

Or shall we speak of infant loveliness exchanged for 
sickly wanness in the very morning of its beauteous in- 
nocence, or of dear fraternal bonds, dissolving like a 
rope of sand, or of the elevated, kind, and genial friend- 
ships, which had like kindred drops, adhered together ; 
now scattered here and there like spray before the eastern 
wind. 

Bereavements ! who hath not had lessons taught him 
in this school of bitterness? Who has not bowed his 
soul, and in the depths of sorrowing anguish exclaimed, 
" Alas ! my father, mother, brother, child, or friend. " 

How many portions of our family inheritance, now 
moulder in the silent tomb, and that wide yawning grave 
will never say " enough" till all are buried in its fathom- 
less abyss. 

Bereavements often shock, alarm, and overwhelm 
with sorrow. But wherefore is it ? Because on mortal 
gifts we wrote with love's deceivings, — " immortality." 

We whispered this thought, that in our nest of social 
comforts, till distant advanced age, we, undisturbed 



BEREAVEMENTS. 



241 



should live, and calmly die. That the fair mountain of 
oar bright and sunny pleasures would ne'er remove. 
That the inscriptions on our delights were written with 
the diamond on the marble rock. But while we reckoned 
and cherished all these hopes, our nest was torn and 
scattered, our mountain shaken to its base, and deep sub- 
merged in sorrow's watery foam. And the inscription 
of happiness for years to come, on flitting sand was 
written, and every letter was effaced by the rising tide of 
social trouble. 

Forget not the tenure of uncertainty on which thy 
dearest good is held. Mutation is the creature's very 
nature, and change its birthright, and decay its certain 
destiny. 

But friends removed and out of sight, and hearing, and 
embrace, " still live, and move, and have their being." 

Not lost in deep annihilation's gloomy shades. If but 
in Christ and covenant with God, when they put forth 
from the shores of earth and time, like the majestic vessel 
in full sail, they entered that bright haven of immor- 
tality and bliss, where neither sin, nor change, nor 
sorrow, can invade. 

Thither by spiritual communings, you may yet ap- 
proach and visit them. And from thence by invisible 
access, they may come near to us, and form a part of the 
ministering host who sympathize with all salvation's 
heirs. 

And but a transient day at most, and the same winds 
that severed them from us will bear us to them ; then 
sorrow not as without hope. 

Adore the Providence enwrapped in clouds and 



242 TIME. 

mystery 5 the sun will soon shine forth, and then thou 
shalt both know, adore, and satisfied, exclaim : — " The 
Lord ! he hath done all things well." 



TIME. 

Time is measured duration ; the material of our being, 
and the index of our progression to eternity. 

There was, before time begun its course ; there will be, 
when time shall be no longer. 

Time has been a favourite theme with philosophers, 
moralists, and sages. Some have extolled it much, but 
none ever knew its intrinsic worth. The light of eternity 
must reveal it, the day of doom declare it, and all eter- 
nity re-echo it. 

Time past, how transient 5 time present, how evan- 
escent ; time to come, with any how uncertain. How 
different in the lessons it teaches, and the impressions it 
makes. 

The child wastes it in play, and knoweth not its worth ; 
the anxious youth would hasten its course, and the aged 
put a drag upon its wheels. 

Deferred hope, and endured pain biddeth it fly ; en- 
joyment would arrest its flight, and the condemned male- 
factor is overwhelmed at its velocity. 

So intrinsically excellent, it is dealt out in moments, and 
two contemporary ones never existed at the same period. 



TIME. 243 

Its travel is regular, silent but sure. It never wearies, 
nor halts, nor turns aside ; on, on, is its motto, and on, 
on, it has sped for nearly six thousand years. 

A thousand years were given to the antediluvians ; one 
hundred and twenty to the patriarchs ; but thirty are the 
measure of the modern generations of mankind. 

Time is the space of man's existence, the bounds of 
his probation, and his seed time for eternity. 

In possession, it may be improved and enjoyed ; gone, 
it is irrecoverably lost. 

Used, it blesses ; neglected, it condemns ; abused it 
leaves its curse behind. 

Time should be redeemed from vain conversation — 
frivolous pursuits — foolishness of life. 

Time should be anticipated by prudent forethought, 
improved by holy diligence, and laid up for serious 
reflection. 

The records of time will furnish the subjects for judg- 
ment, and influence the destinies of eternity. 

Reader, what thinkest thou of time ? how hast thou 
spent time past, how art thou using time present, and 
how purposing for time to come ? 

Know its intrinsic value, be taught its immense impor- 
tance, and so number thy days as to apply thy heart unto 
wisdom. 



244 



DEATH. 



Death ! what art thou ? In the language of poetical 
imaginativeness, the fell destroyer — the insatiable monster 
— the king of terrors ! 

Personification of all terribleness, concentration of all 
horror, and subject of all abhorrence. 

Insidious in thy approach, fearful in thy gloomy page- 
antry, and remorseless in thy attacks. 

Successful archer ! with thy arrows of desolation, re- 
lentless warrior ! with thy armour of destruction. 

Nature's enemy with thy war-whoop of vengeance. 

The dread of every living thing, the devastator of 
earth, the blight of the world, the gorger of the grave, 
the excluded of heaven, and the kidnapper of hell. 

With hideous form, and sepulchral voice, and icy 
hand, and ruthless arm, and heartless bosom ! 

Hoary-headed despot ! thy reign of terror has been ex- 
tended through thousands of years, o'er every land, in 
every nation, and among every tongue. 

Thou Ishmaelite to every class, and order, and degree, 
and age of men ! 

Thou destroyer of infants, thou assassin of the aged, 
thou murderer of all ! 

Thou invader of the domestic hearth, of the social 
circle, and of the church of God ! 

Thou devourer of talent, and genius, and influence, 
and worth ! 



DEATH. 245 

Thou executioner of the vile, thou dethroner of kings, 
thou leveller of subjects, and thou equalizer of all ! 

The fear of the wise, the horror of the foolish, the 
compeer of the assassin, the gulph of the suicide, and 
the gain of the saint. 

All thy horrors are the fruit of sin ; all thy terrors the 
denunciations of the law ; all thy power of evil unfor- 
given guilt ; all thy darkness the want of hope. 

Thus have poets sung thy dreaded fame, thy fearful 
character, but what does tranquil reason, and sound phi- 
losophy, and sacred truth aver ? 

Reason says, thou art a mere negation — the want of 
being ; philosophy, the terminus of life's short journey ; 
and revelation, the rest of toil, and sleep of man's ex- 
hausted wearied frame. 

Death, thy days are numbered, thy overthrow pre- 
dicted, thy ruin certain ! The man in whom tabernacled 
the divinity, chased thee from thy strongholds. He 
staid thee on thy march to the sepulchre, and bade the 
widow's son of Nam arise. He dissolved thy fatal chain, 
in raising to buoyant life, the ruler's little maid. He ex- 
pelled thee from thy strong hold, when with the voice of 
majesty and power almighty, he exclaimed, " Lazarus 
come forth." 

And more than all, Christ overcame thee, when he lay 
in silent darkness in the new hewn tomb, and when thou 
seemedst to have slain the prince of life ; and with victory 
and triumph, he arose and grappling with thee in thine 
own domains, he worsted thee ; snapped thy massive 
chains ; broke to shivers thine ancient sceptre threw back 
thy gloomy doors ; let in the light of resurrection's glory, 



246 THE JUDGMENT. 

and came forth exclaiming, " Though dead, |I am alive 
again, and have the keys of hell and death for ever- 
more !" 

Yes ! death now thou art tributary to the king of Zion, 
the Lord of life and glory ; with all the fruit of sin, 
thou shalt at last be cast deep into the burning lake, and 
life and immortality shall triumph evermore. 



THE JUDGMENT. 

Hark ! the distant thunders roll, the earth reels with 
fright, the mighty blast is heard — No more be time ! 

The firmament of heaven is darkened, the sun in sack- 
cloth clad, the moon as blood ! 

The crumbling elements dissolve and melt with fervent 
heat ; and one fierce sheet of flame enwraps the globe. 

'Tis Dooms' day ! and now, the destiny of each and all, 
hangs on the lips of him, before whose face the earth and 
heavens now pass away. 

'Mid air, the crowded masses of innumerable human 
beings congregate together. 

The great white throne of infinite and everlasting judi- 
cature is now set up ; angelic legions, as the officers of 
justice, surround it. 

The books are opened — the records of a world's trans- 
actions ! 



THE JUDGMENT. 247 

Another book — the book of life, in which are regis- 
tered in characters of light, the truly great, and just, and 
good, of every age, and clime, and colour. 

The earth has fled far, far away. In cloud and smoke 
the sea by evaporation has escaped. 

No earth or ocean is found or seen ; mountains, and 
hills, and rocks, and monuments have passed away for 
ever, 

" And, like the baseless fabric of a vision, 
Left not a wreck behind." 

But how diverse the character of those around the 
throne ! how earthly form and etiquette are now forgotten ! 

There, in close connexion, stand the monarch and the 
beggar — the master and his slave — the philosopher and 
the fool — the high and low — the great and small — the 
rich and poor — the sons of rustic homeliness and the fair 
daughters of high nobility and state — the judge and the 
criminal — the sire and the son — the father and his chil- 
dren — and the minister and his flock. 

What dread, and horror, and dismay, o'erwhelm the 
multitude ! 

What shrieks of anguish, what rending pleas, what 
torturing agony, what cries of deep despair ! 

And yet amid the countless myriads behold a happy 
class of sainted spirits without alarm. 

This is the day for which they lived, and to which they 
hastened. 

For this, they earnestly believed, and hoped, and 
prayed. 

The Judge, their friend and brother ; in covenant with 
God their expectations cannot perish. 



248 THE JUDGMENT. 

I 

The saints of Christ who suffered with and for him, 
now must reign. 

Despised, and hated, and maltreated — now co-heirs 
with Christ they judge the world. 

Beckoned to his side, they sit on thrones of honour ; 
confessed by him, they now become the envy of the 
world's infatuated millions. 

Their names pronounced with joy, their brows with 
shining crowns adorned, enrobed in vestments of purest 
white, they enter in with Christ their Lord, and dwell for 
ever in his kingdom. 

But ah ! the sorrow, woe, and misery of those on 
whom the fearful sentence is pronounced, " Depart from 
me," from light, and joy, and hope, " ye cursed," who 
refused the blood of saving mercy, " into everlasting 
fire," the lake of hottest flame, enkindled by the wrath of 
heaven, " prepared for the devil and his angels," the de- 
signed abode of fallen spirits, but made your own by foul 
conspiracy, and union with that hapless rank of dark 
intelligences. 

Then, as the angels execute the awful sentence, and 
cast them down to regions black and terrible, how one 
united scream of horror, louder than ten thousand thun- 
ders, terminates this overwhelming dark reality of judg- 
ment, to which, reader, thou art hastening. 

Be wise while wisdom will avail, and whate'er thou 
gainest or losest in time, secure through faith in Jesus a 
final lot of glory with the blest. 



249 



HEAVEN. 

Heaven ! a sacred word identified with our first infan- 
tile prayers. The dwelling of " our Father/' whose 
name maternal piety taught us to lisp with reverence and 
praise. 

Heaven ! that exalted locality which is the residence of 
angels, the home of the beatified, and the palace of 
Jehovah. 

Heaven ! the temple of the universe, the sanctum 
sanctorum, — the holiest of all. 

Heaven ! the Eden of delight, the paradise of consum- 
mated bliss, the inheritance of the glorified. 

Heaven ! the region of cloudless radiant light, unvary- 
ing noon, and resplendent endless day. 

Heaven ! the goal of the spiritual racer, the rest of the 
weary, the home of the pilgrim, and the eternal habita- 
tion and dwelling of the family divine. 

Heaven ! with its thrones, dominions, powers ; with its 
services of joy, its worship of purity and perfection, and 
its society of the dignified and happy. 

Heaven ! with its river and tree of life, with its ver- 
dant plains and flowery mounts. 

Heaven ! with its gates of pearl, and streets of gold, 
and walls of jasper. 

Heaven ! the region of health, and beauty, and holi- 
ness, and rapture. 

Heaven ! with its fellowship of perfect, kindred, happy 
minds; with its magnificent revelations, its fulness of 
joy, and its pleasures for evermore. 

M 



250 HEAVEN. 

Heaven ! the home without sin, or pain, or fear, or 
sorrow ; without a tempter, or a snare ; without anguish, 
or death, or sepulchres. 

How transporting its scenes, how melodious its music, 
how rapturous its songs, how blissful its society, how un- 
interrupted its blessedness, how unending its glories, how 
sublimely august, and holy, and infinite, its monarch — 
Jehovah of Hosts ! 

Heaven ! with its one door of entrance to the in- 
habitants of earth — even Christ the Mediator ; with its 
one theme of rejoicing — even the Lamb that was slain ; 
with its one object of vision — God enshrined in glorified 
humanity ; with its one class of inhabitants — even the 
saints of the Most High, " who have washed their robes 
and made them white in the blood of Lamb. 

Heaven ! object of my highest ambition, my holiest 
desires, and my most ardent prayers. I will seek it by 
faith in him who is the only way to it. I will travel to it 
on the royal highway of evangelical obedience. I will 
anticipate it by cheering hope, wait for it by patient per- 
severance in well doing ; and then with the really 
dignified, and great, and holy, enjoy it through the ages 
of eternity. 

That this hope deceive me not, I will seek enrolment 
in its book of life ; I will commit myself to him, who 
will keep in inviolable security ; wait for the watchword of 
death ; and borne on the wings of celestial attendants, 
enter through the merits of the divine Mediator, into the 
joy of my Lord. 



251 



ETERNITY. 

Duration without beginning, without measure, with- 
out end. 

Eternity is alone inhabited by Jehovah, for he was 
before all things by his being, as he is above all things by 
his majesty and glory. Eternity is beyond human com- 
prehension, and too difficult for clear definition, and can 
only be faintly shadowed forth by imaginative represen- 
tation. It is a boundless horizon, an unfathomable deep, 
an inexhaustible maze. 

The ring, without beginning, or joining, or end has 
been selected to describe it. Proper eternity, God only 
knows and understands, prospective eternity, he has 
connected with the nature of angels and men. 

God ever was, and is, and will be for ever. 

Angels and men were not till they were created ; but in- 
vested with immortality they are, and will be evermore. 

Time had its origin, and will have its termination ; im- 
mortality its origin only ; eternity neither. 

Eternity is duration that defies comparison, exceeds 
numeration, and baffles the understanding. Were 
millions of ages numerous as the sands on Arabia's 
deserts, or as the drops in the ocean, or as atoms in the 
material universe, or as rays in the sun, or as thoughts in 
all intelligences ; yet they would be as nothing to eternity. 

Profound thought, overwhelming idea, inconceivable 
theme ! Yet every child of man is sailing towards this 
region, travelling towards this country, hastening towards 
this goal. The frivolous and the serious, the jester and 
the sage, the fool and the philosopher, the profane and 



252 ETERNITY. 

the devout, the saint and the infidel, are all alike moving 
onwards to eternity. 

One man enters on it stupidly, another thoughtlessly, 
many unexpectedly, hosts unpreparedly, the pious only 
wisely. Eternity opens its massive dungeon door to the 
impenitent ; and its gates of light to the humble believer. 

Eternity is down, down, down, lower and lower, 
blacker and blacker, to those who die in wickedness ; but 
it riseth higher, and higher, and higher, in an atmosphere 
of unmingled light and glory, to the children of God. 
Beneath, are eternal cells of horror, eternal chains of 
darkness, eternal flames of misery, eternal pangs of de- 
spair, and eternal companions of woe. 

Above, there are eternal mansions of light, eternal 
robes of purity, eternal songs of joy, eternal streams of 
delight, eternal co-heirs of bliss, and an eternal crown of 
glory that fadeth not away. Rivers, with eternal springs 
of rapture ; trees, with eternal fruits of pleasure ; worship, 
with eternal rounds of services, worlds, with eternal 
themes for study, contemplation, and enjoyment. A God 
for eternal adoration, delight, and praise ! Reader, what 
thinkest thou of eternity? Art thou inconsiderate or 
wise, reckless or prudent, prepared or negligent? Art 
thou bringing it near by the telescope of faith, and enjoy- 
ing it by the anticipations of hope, and enraptured with it 
by the emotions of desire ? Or fearest thou it, and livest 
in dread of its approach, and in terror of its arrival ? 

Trust in the merits of thy Surety, which eternity cannot 
impair; in the mercy 'of thy God which eternity will 
not exhaust ; and clothe thyself in the garments of holi- 
ness, which in eternity will not wax old. 

J. HADDON, PRINTER, CASTLE STREET, FINSBURY. 



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